Police work means a lot to Officer Mark Bruns, who has worked for the Huber Heights Police Department for 33 years.

He has been in charge of public affairs for eight years and will be retiring in October.

“This job is very important,” said Bruns, 56. “If anyone is looking to come into this line of work, they need to be prepared to give; it’s a helping profession. It’s not just about the money. It’s been rewarding. I’ve met a lot of people over the years.”

Bruns has been married to Lori for eight years. His family includes daughters Emma, 19, and Olivia, 20, son Matthew, 27, and daughter-in-law, Holly, and son Chad, 29. Grandson Landon is four years old.

Bruns says he will miss the contact with the community the most. He and his wife have travel plans, and he will also play in a fall softball league.

“I’m going to hang out for a while with my wife, and probably take a few trips,” Bruns said. “We’re history buffs and we’re going to tour some battlefields in Richmond.”

How person got involved in police work: “I used to watch a TV show called The FBI as a young man, and that sparked my interest. I wrote a letter to J. Edgar Hoover in seventh grade asking how I could become an FBI agent, and they wrote back saying I was too young and I should come back when I’m older.”

What actions he performed: “I started in 1977 as an auxiliary officer in what was the Wayne Twp. Police Department. In 1979 they offered me a full-time position. I was in the K-9 program for seven years. I was a detective for 16 years and specialized in child abuse, crimes against children and sex offenses. Now I am the public affairs officer.”

Most satisfying part about the person’s work: “Helping people. Last year at one of the Wayne High School football games a lady came up to me and thanked me. I didn’t recognize her. She was molested by a neighbor when she was seven. She said I helped her and listened to her, and that was 21 years ago. I don’t think officers realize how many lives they touch in a positive way.”