Bruce making bid for Dublin Town Council

By CODY DALTON
cody@southwesttimes.com

Pulaski County deputy and Dublin resident Garland Bruce will seek to unseat one of three incumbent Dublin Town Council members up for re-election in May.

Bruce, 62, has been with Pulaski County Sheriff's Office for 11 years. Before joining the department, he was a member of the Lee County (South Carolina) Police Department.

When he moved back to Pulaski County after his father passed away, his move turned out to be a blessing, as it helped open up other career opportunities.

"I was lucky to get on with Carillon Health System (Police Department) in Roanoke and move up through the ranks," Bruce said. "I did the right things that they wanted and that the chief wanted and got promoted up through the ranks."

While he was a captain with Carilion's police department, he looked to further his education and pursue a career as a police chief. He would go on to earn a Bachelor's Degree from Bluefield College in 1998 in Administration of Justice.

Bruce also has experience with Dublin Police Department many years ago, when Grover Howell was police chief; and Rich Creek Police Department as well.

While being a police chief was his main drive and focus for a career, he explained that he has always been intrigued by the political rhelm.

"I have been interested in politics for years," he said. "I think that Dublin is a growing community. I don't know how Dublin feels, but I just want to help Dublin grow in the right directions. Times are hard, but Dublin is the growth area for Pulaski County."

While he has only lived in Dublin for just over a year, Bruce has seen the changes occurring there over the years and explained that his main focus will be the continued growth of Dublin.

"There is one big issue," he said. "I want to see Dublin grow. Dublin has a potential growth area. It's the growth area of Pulaski County now."

Even though he just made the formal steps to make a bid for a council seat, Bruce is already garnering some attention from the community about his run.

"I've had people wanting to help make signs and campaign," he noted. "I appreciate the support that the community is giving me."

Running for re-election is incumbent Councilmen Dallas Cox and Stephen Crigger, and Vice-Mayor Peggy Hemmings.

Interested parties still have until Tuesday at 7 p.m. to file intentions to run for council. Elections will be held May 4.