Max Bruce ’05

Max Bruce is an explosives technician with York Regional Police. After joining the force in 2010 as a frontline uniform officer, he worked his way up to the emergency response unit, where he’s responsible for high-risk search warrants, weapons calls, hostage rescue and terrorism response.

Bruce was designated one of nine members of the explosives disposal unit last year and received the Lightning Bolt Award for saving a man’s life while waiting for an ambulance to arrive.

“What has impressed me about Max since his time at UCC is his willingness to follow his own path,” says university counselling director Katherine Ridout in her nomination.

Bruce combines his career with service work with Ontario Special Olympians and the Southlake Regional Hospital in Newmarket, Ont. He frequently mentors young people who are interested in a police career and coaches football in and outside of the UCC community.

“His gentleness and caring personality is equalled, if not surpassed, by his strengths — his physical strength, but more importantly his strength of character,” says Bruce’s godfather, Vahan Kololian ’73.