05/10/2026
DNR recreational vehicle coordinator is retiring on June 3rd. Congratulations Bruce!
BRUCE LAWRENCE, DNR REC VEHICLE COORDINATOR, RETIRING
Career Reflection: Legacy of Service and Safety
(From a DNR press release)
Decades of Dedication
After 29 years of dedicated service as a Minnesota licensed peace officer, Bruce is officially hanging up the duty belt. Bruce’s career:
1992 - served 4 years as a volunteer police reserve officer.
1997 - served 4 years as a full-time municipal police officer.
2001 - served 25 years as a conservation officer/regional training officer/recreational vehicle coordinator, for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Under the Division of Enforcement, Bruce spent the last 25 years protecting Minnesota’s natural resources, educating, promoting safety, and ensuring public safety.
In 2001, Bruce was assigned to the Pine City station (covering the southern half of Pine County) then was promoted to the north metro regional training officer position. He worked the past 11 years as the recreational vehicle coordinator.
It was a pivotal encounter with a game warden at the age of 14 that changed everything and transformed a passion for the outdoors into a lifelong calling. That single meeting inspired Bruce to pursue a dedicated career in natural resources, where he could protect fish and game and the recreational traditions, he grew up loving.
Expertise & Training Impact
Bruce retires as a recognized subject matter expert (SME) for off-highway vehicles (OHVs), leaving a legacy of improved safety standards, a resource for national standards, laws, OHV policy, and lesson plans for training personnel. His technical mastery of vehicle dynamics made him a sought-after trainer for:
Off-highway vehicle driver training expertise
All-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles
A resource for knowledge on standards and policies for off-highway vehicles
Advanced Highway Vehicle Training Emergency Vehicle Operations– (EVOC)
Instructional leadership: As a licensed peace officer instructor, he was part of the CO Academy training team to teach the next generation of officers in disciplines such as emergency vehicle operations (EVO), including operating trucks and ATVs and use of force curriculums.
Safety curriculum innovation: Bruce was part of a team that assisted with development of in-person and online safety training programs such as fi****ms safety and off-highway vehicle safety, as well as lesson plans for in-house agency staff and public safety programs.
National influence: Bruce has been a lead public speaker for national and international outdoor recreational events and engagements. Bruce currently serves as a member-at-large for the International Off-highway Vehicle Administrators Association and has a seat on the safety and law enforcement committee for the International Association of Snowmobile Administrators.
The Best and Least Favorite Parts of the Job
Bruce found the most fulfillment in collaborating with:
The Safety Training and Education staff at Camp Ripley
Working side by side with DNR Parks and Trails OHV staff
Training volunteer safety instructors - citizens dedicated to making a difference
Stakeholders’ groups/citizens with grass roots advocacy
Bridging the Gap (best part of the Job) - Partners in Natural Resources
Bruce is grateful to have worked with such great DNR Parks and Trails OHV staff, who are dedicated to trail development, planning, funding, and policy to build and maintain motorized recreational vehicle trails for years to come. Bruce served as a key liaison with special stakeholder groups. Whether he was assisting with managing the Trail Ambassador program and conducting instructor training for safety programs, his focus remained on fostering cooperation and safety awareness for those dedicated to safety towards off-highway vehicles.
The "Least" Favorite Part: Like many in public service, he will not miss the “redundant” paperwork.
Post-retirement plans
Bruce’s passion for the outdoors will continue to be inspired by an active bucket list of travel plans, including – to U.S. and international destinations (small snippet as a snowbird); spending time fishing and golfing; working on home projects and continue with his hobby of woodworking projects; and the occasional ATV ride and perhaps a part-time job.
Final Words
"I greatly appreciated the knowledge gained over the years and the experience working with DNR staff and those partners from the civilian side who made my career have such a purpose. While "shutting off the brain" for a brief period is a priority, I have ideas to still pursue, share, and offer. I feel my expertise can be well served by giving guidance and resources to the OHV industry and stakeholders. It has been an honor to serve the citizens of Minnesota and to help ensure that our officers and the public are equipped with the skills and knowledge to return home safely every day."
Effective Retirement Date: His final working day is scheduled for June 3, 2026.
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THANK YOU BRUCE! For working closely with ATV MN, ATV clubs, the safety training program for youth and so much more! Enjoy your retirement!
