Bruce Willis’ beloved mother, Marlene Willis, is hailed as an icon around the Los Angeles Police Department.
The 90-year-old mother has been quietly volunteering at the LAPD’s West Los Angeles station for 22 years, and shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.
Officers at the station affectionately call her “Mrs. Willis” and consider her a hidden asset to the department.
“I think she means the very best of people that are individuals who believe in the work that our men and women do,” former LAPD Chief Michel Moore told NBC Los Angeles.
LAPD Officers Adore Bruce Willis’ Mom
Marlene, who sports her white hair with striking black streaks at the front, volunteers on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Some of her tasks include reviewing police reports, making notes, and checking grammar.
“I want to help so much, so much. You have no idea. You cannot imagine how much I want to help,” Marlene said.
Officers who work alongside Bruce’s mom have nothing but praise for her.
“One of the duties that she doesn’t maybe even know that she’s doing right now is just her presence here with our officers is huge,” Detective Justin Malcuit shared to NBC Los Angeles. “So, for instance, when an officer comes to the station from whatever God-awful incident they dealt with in the field during the day, and she comes up to that officer to give him a hug, that is beyond words and tremendous help to all of us here at the station.”
Marlene has been recognized as the LAPD volunteer of the year. Moore previously awarded her with a badge to recognize her significant contributions to the department.
“While I can’t make her a cop, I can at least give her the greatest symbol of what it means to be a cop. And that is a badge of the law center police department,” Moore said.
Marlene Willis Keeps a Low Profile
GettyDespite her connection to the beloved superstar Bruce Willis, Marlene Willis never mentions it at the station, which her colleagues find impressive.
“When I first met Marlene, you know, someone said, well, this is Bruce Willis’s mother, and she never mentioned it,” Moore shared. “And in each of our encounters, I would never know that. She was never one to wear her identity as his mother on her sleeve, or even involve him in even passing references of her life, which impressed me.”
The LAPD considers Marlene a family, and it’s clear that the feeling is mutual.
“This is my family,” Marlene gushed. “I mean that 100%.”
