WILMINGTON — A former Wilmington police chief, the longest to serve in the city’s history, passed away on Friday, July 15.
Darryl Bruestle served in law enforcement for 48 years after graduating from Michigan State University School of Criminal Justice in 1955. He also held the position as 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army Reserves and captain in the Military Police Corps.
Upon exiting the military, Bruestle worked for the Waterford Township Police Department and became police chief of the Birmingham Police Department in Michigan.
Thereafter, he graduated from the FBI academy in December 1969 and became assistant director of the police management division of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
It wasn’t until the mid-’70s that Bruestle made his way to the Port City to serve as police chief for WPD. He retired in 1991 after 16 years. Yet, his work in the area carried on.
Bruestle helped administer a continuing education program for law enforcement and public safety officers at Cape Fear Community College. He was also integral to founding Crime Stoppers of New Hanover County.
His full obituary can be accessed here.
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