Dallas Police Department dive team led by Capt. Jack Bragg. (Photo by Danny Fulgencio)

Dallas Police Department dive team led by Capt. Jack Bragg. (Photo by Danny Fulgencio)

The remarkable Captain Jack Bragg — dive team commander and one of two DPD captains — retires after 41 years

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In 2014 we published a very dark story in the East Dallas/Lakewood Advocate — dark literally, because it was underwater, and dark gloomy because much of it had to do with searching for dead bodies and murder weapons. It was about the Dallas Police Department’s dive team, and our tour guide was police captain and dive-team commander Jack Bragg. When there is a suspected drowning in a public lake or creek, Bragg  typically is first on the scene, after Dallas Fire-Rescue personnel. He’s also there when detectives need to search underwater for discarded weapons or other types of evidence used to convict criminals.

We spent a couple of days with Bragg and his team — one day at the Lewisville pool and another at Lake Ray Hubbard — as they walked us through a day in their lives.

Advocate editor, me, practicing diving with Capt. Bragg

Advocate editor, me, practicing diving with Capt. Bragg. (Photo by Danny Fulgencio)

Last week, Capt. Bragg — who was generous with his war stories and even showed us his scars — retired after 41 years with the Dallas Police Department, announced a spokesperson last week.

“The legendary Captain Jack R. Bragg, Jr., # 3650, retired with 41.5 years of service with the Dallas Police Department. Captain Bragg is one of two members left on the department with the rank of Captain.”

Capt. Jack Bragg's retirement ceremony. (Dallas Police Department)

Capt. Jack Bragg’s retirement ceremony. (Dallas Police Department)

“Captain Bragg, the Dallas Police Department thanks you for the bright smile you always have on display as well as the 41.5 years of service you provided to the police department and the citizens of Dallas,” notes the department in a public statement. “Enjoy your retirement and congratulations.”

Read the full story and see more photos here.