Holly MatkinGolden, CO – Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office (CCCSO) Undersheriff Bruce Snelling died unexpectedly while off-duty at his home on Sept. 24, according to his department.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) said there was “nothing suspicious” about the 60-year-old undersheriff’s death, and described his passing as “natural,” The Colorado Sun reported.
“It is never an easy task to have to share difficult news,” Clear Creek County Sheriff Rick Albers said in a statement the following day. “Saturday evening, September 24, 2022, Undersheriff Bruce Snelling passed away at his home.”
Undersheriff Snelling devoted 35 years of his life to his law enforcement career, according to his obituary.
“Bruce was a warrior and a respected servant leader,” the tribute read. “He was also a very intentional, caring and [calm] commander with confidence that resonated with everyone around him.”
He was promoted in 2015 to the second-highest rank at the CCCSO, and continued serving in that capacity until his death.
“I know that Bruce loved his Clear Creek family and was proud of the employees he commanded and the community he served,” Sheriff Albers said. “The Sheriff’s Office offers the Snelling family our most sincere condolences for their loss.”
Undersheriff Snelling leaves behind his high school sweetheart and wife of 35 years, Micky, as well as his daughters, Samantha and Francesca, according to his obituary.
“He was a hero, father, best friend, [and] mentor…” the tribute read.
Undersheriff Snelling will be laid to rest on Oct. 1.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office Undersheriff Bruce Snelling, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
