FAIR OAKS, Calif. – Dr. Bruce M. Beckler, 51, former resident of Maine, entered eternal rest on July 29, surrounded by family and friends after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Lewiston, on June 28, 1953, the son of Mortimer and Alma (Brown) Beckler. He graduated from Edward Little High School in Auburn, “Class of 1971.” He dedicated his life to serving his country and helping others. He served in the 82nd Airborne Division and 18th Airborne Intelligence Corps and was a Sergeant in the 490th and 445th Strategic Military Intelligence Detachment of the U.S. Army Reserve.

He graduated summa cum laude from Indiana University with degrees in both Public Administration and Criminal Justice. He also obtained a Master of Arts in Forensic Science and a Jurist Doctorate Degree in Law.

He had a 3rd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, was licensed to practice law in the state of Indiana, had a lifetime California Community College Teaching Credential, and was certified to teach over 30 California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) classes.

Although his life was shortened by illness, he was an accomplished man. He started his career as an attorney in Bloomington, Ind., and then became a special agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

For many years, he was the Assistant Dean/Director of Napa Valley College Criminal Justice Training Center where he supervised all POST law enforcement training. He was the Dean/Director of the Sacramento Regional Public Safety Center for Los Rios Community College District, which provides both correctional and law enforcement training.

He then became a Deputy Inspector General with the Office of the Inspector General where he assisted with policy development, trained staff in the use of firearms, and conducted internal affairs investigations. He also was a licensed private investigator.

When he wasn’t working, his favorite leisure activity was to play golf with his friends. After being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, he turned to writing. He became a partner in a publishing company and most notable of the books he has written is the California Internal Affairs Investigations Handbook.

He is survived by his beloved daughter, Kendra Kaye, of Portland; parents, Mort and Alma Beckler, of Orrs Island; a brother, William Beckler and his wife, Rita; a niece, Brenda; nephews, Billie and Thomas, of Alpharetta, Ga.; along with his many friends in California who became his West Coast family.

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