Bruce A. Birr

Bruce A. Birr, age 66, of Sylvania, passed away peacefully March 3, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. He was born May 26, 1954. He graduated from Woodward High School in 1972, continuing to play football on scholarship at the University of Toledo. Bruce began his law enforcement career with the Lucas County Sheriff’s Office in 1977 as a Booking Officer, moved to the Road Patrol and was later promoted to the Detective Bureau. A highlight of his detective career was his assignment to the Dignitary Protection Detail with the U.S. Secret Service which included protection for both Presidents Bush and President Clinton. He furthered his career in the vice/narcotics unit. In 1998, he was placed in charge of the Domestic Violence Arrest Round-up which he continued to lead for 20 years, assisting in the arrest of over 800 individuals. In March of 2005, Bruce was assigned to the U.S. Marshal Fugitive Task Force where he served until retirement in May 2019. During that period with the Marshals, he was involved in over 7,000 felony fugitive arrests. He was promoted to Director of Warrant Services and Fugitive Apprehension by Sheriff John Tharp in 2012. Incredibly dedicated to law enforcement and removing criminals from the streets, Bruce was highly decorated in his career. Some of these honors include: Drug Unit Detective of the Year (1991); Merit Commendation Award from Sylvania PD for recovery of stolen property (1999); U.S. Marshal Task Force Officer of the Year for Investigative Excellence (2007 and 2013 – the only two-time recipient); U.S. Marshal Service Distinguished Director’s Award (2008 and 2017); Hero Award from Safety Council of NW Ohio (2008); City of Toledo Mayor’s Award for rescuing victims of apartment fire (2008); Ohio Attorney General Distinguished Law Enforcement Achievement Award for protecting Ohio citizens (2010); Attorney General of the United States Award for Outstanding Contributions in Law Enforcement (2010); U.S. Marshal Division of the Year Award (2017); U.S. Marshal Lifetime Distinguished Achievement Award for Outstanding Service (2018). Bruce was a member of the Buckeye State Sheriff’s Association, the National Sheriff’s Association, the Knights of Columbus 3rd Degree and Toledo Old Newsboys Association. He was also active in coaching football and baseball when his children were young. Bruce enjoyed many vacations in Hollywood Beach, FL with his wife and family where he always said, “It don’t get no better than this.” Although known as the tough guy and the man you always wanted in your corner, most importantly he had a soft side he saved for his family. Following retirement, he became an active “Grandpa Chauffeur” driving his grandkids to school. He loved watching their sporting events and taking walks at Olander Park. Left to celebrate Bruce’s memory is his loving wife of 46 years, Kathy (Hobbs) Birr; children, Angela Reny (Deon Thompson), Andrew (Kelly) Birr and Matthew (Brandi) Birr; son-in-law, Dave Reny; six beautiful grandchildren: Karlee, Thomas, Riley, Jake, Easton and Ellison; sister, Phyllis Lake; brothers and sisters-in-law, Sherry (Mike) Fitzpatrick, Debra Bush, Mark (Val) Hobbs, Kim (Herman) Blankenship, Chuck (Pat) Hobbs, Kelly Hobbs (Jim Albright); and uncle, Bill Birr. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Theodora (Vallas) Birr; his wife’s parents, Mary Jane and Charles Hobbs; sister, Sondra Birr; brothers-in-law, Frank Lake and Michael Bush; and special aunts, uncles and cousins. Family and friends are invited to visit Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave. (west of Corey Rd.) from 2-8 p.m. on Monday, March 8, 2021 where a scripture service and sharing of memories will be held at 7:30 p.m. Additional visitation will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday at St. Adalbert Catholic Church, 3233 Lagrange St., Toledo, with the funeral Mass following at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Facial coverings and social distancing are required at all events. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Condolences and fond memories are encouraged to be shared on the Tribute Wall of this page.