Brian Daniel Rusk

It is with deeply saddened hearts that we announce the passing of Brian Daniel Rusk on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at the age of 47 years. Brian was born on October 9, 1978 in Orange Grove, Texas to Rudolph (Rudy) and Janice (Jan) Rusk. Brian is survived by his wife, Kristen Rusk, daughter, Brinley Rusk, son, Britton Rusk, mother, Janice Rusk, brother, Darrell Rusk (Kathy), sister, Yvonne Rusk Nance (Rodney), nephew Cody Rusk (Taelor), nephew Brady Rusk (Whitley) and five great-nieces. He was preceded in death by his father, Rudolph Rusk, grandmother, Emma Taylor and nephew, Colton Rusk. Chief Rusk graduated from Texas A&M University Corpus-Christi in July, 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Chief Rusk began his law enforcement career in September, 2000 with the Jim Wells County Sheriff’s Office as a Reserve Deputy. Chief Rusk transitioned to the Pearland Police Department in December, 2002. During his tenure with the Pearland Police Department, Chief Rusk served as a Patrol Officer, Criminal Investigator, and Patrol Sergeant, as well as many secondary assignments. Chief Rusk was instrumental in implementing a Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) program, resulting in multiple officers being trained in peer-to-peer support. Chief Rusk was assigned as a Crisis Negotiator with a regional S.W.A.T. team in May, 2008. Chief Rusk served the team as Negotiator, Team Leader, and Element Commander. As a result of this assignment, Chief Rusk gained extensive experience in various critical incidents including hostage situations, violent encounters, and a mass shooting event. Chief Rusk further served as Chaplain Liaison, sUAS (drone) Unit Supervisor and has trained in riot control tactics. Chief Rusk was certified as a TCLEOSE (TCOLE) Instructor in October, 2005. Chief Rusk was instrumental in building training curriculums in the areas of mental health and crisis intervention. Chief Rusk has several hundred hours of experience as a Lead Instructor and has taught the TCOLE Mental Health Peace Officer certification course (MHPO) and crisis intervention training (CIT) to hundreds of Officers across the State of Texas. He was also a graduate of the FBI-LEEDA trilogy leadership program and completed 2 modules of the Texas Leadership Command College. On May 12, 2025, he became Hitchcock ISD’s Chief of Police, where he spent hours tirelessly protecting students and attending their athletic games. Chief Rusk was deeply committed to creating safe and welcoming school environments and believes that strong relationships are the foundation of effective campus policing. His blend of tactical experience, training expertise, and calm, compassionate leadership makes him a valued part of the Hitchcock ISD team. Services will be held at Brush Country Cowboy Church, 1417 I-37, George West, Texas 78022 on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Sons of Hermann Cemetery, Orange Grove, Texas. Services entrusted to Roberson Funeral Home Alice, Texas.

Brian Daniel Rusk

October 9, 1978 - March 7, 2026