The Pasadena Police Department recently held a retirement reception for Chief Josh Bruegger.
Josh was born in Houston, Texas, and graduated from McCullough High School in The Woodlands. In December of 1997, Josh graduated from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice.
Josh began his career with the Pasadena Police Department when he was accepted into the 48th Pasadena Police Academy in March of 1998. Upon completion of the academy, Josh was assigned to night shift patrol. In April of 2000, Josh was a founding member of the DWI Task Force, which was recognized state and nationwide for their efforts. In 2004, Josh was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, during which time he served on both night and day shift patrol.
Then, in June of 2006, Josh was assigned to the Detective Division, where he supervised both the Crimes Against Persons and Property Squads, as well as the Domestic Violence Unit. In 2009, Josh was assigned to the Internal Affairs Division until 2012, when he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and assigned to night shift patrol and the K9 Unit. In addition to his many accolades, Josh attended and successfully completed the 240th Session of the FBI National Academy.
On January 2, 2019, Mayor Jeff Wagner appointed Josh Bruegger as Chief of Police. Since then, Josh has implemented numerous programs for our department, including:
-Securing grant funding to implement a city-wide license plate recognition (LPR) camera system
-Collaborated with the mayor and council members to obtain funding for new facilities, including a state-of-the-art training academy and Narcotics Division office space, completed in 2020
-Completed the state accreditation process for the department from the Texas Police Chief Association Recognition Program, which has involved a total policy manual re-write, an in-depth comprehensive training program, and modification of processes for compliance with best practices
-Implemented Community Outreach Officer program to liaison with neighborhood organizations, the Proactive Policing Unit to address gang and firearm crimes, and the Mental Health and Homeless Outreach program
-Obtained grant funding for a Crime Victim Assistance Program to provide direct assistance to crime victims through advocacy, support, education, and outreach
We want to take this opportunity to express our gratitude for his 25 years of dedicated service to our community and department. Upon his retirement, Josh plans to pursue a new career path in city management. Josh has accepted a position with Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, as their Assistant City Manager.
Congratulations, Chief Josh Bruegger, on your retirement, and we wish you the best as you begin the next chapter in your life.
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