Bradley Dean Bickel

Brad was born on August 12, 1959 in Morocco, Africa, to LtCol Donald C. Bickel, USMC, and Melba Irene Bickel of Dodge City, Kansas. Growing up in a military lifestyle, the family had lived at a number of duty stations around the country. After his father retired from the Marine Corps in June 1972, the family moved to Chula Vista. Brad was the middle child with two sisters; Cynthia and Cheryl.

Brad graduated from Chula Vista High School in 1977. During his youth, he was a member of the Chula Vista Police Department Explorer program. While working alongside and riding with patrol officers, he began to learn the skills necessary to succeed. That experience sparked a greater passion for law enforcement and he pursued it as his profession. He often reminisced of that time and of the officers who mentored him, not just in police work, but in life.

At 18, he became a reserve officer with Chula Vista Police Department. Simultaneously, he worked a non-sworn position with the El Cajon Police Department’s traffic division. It was there he met Mark Connolly and a lifelong friendship began.

In 1980, he fulfilled his dream and became a sworn police officer for the National City Police Department (99th SDPD Academy). Brad was a very productive and respected police officer. His fantastic memory and attention to detail made him exceptional in his field and he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant (88 SAM) at the age of 25. He worked for the police department for over 10 years and would have continued on that path except for the misfortune of his father’s serious illness. It was for that reason, he left the department to assist with his father’s real estate business and worked with him from that time on. He found success as an agent, broker and a property manager. Despite his success in the private sector business world, he never stopped being a “cop”.

For the past 18 years, Brad worked as a Court Security Officer at the Federal Courthouse in San Diego, all while still operating a property management business. He loved that job, especially the people he worked with. He was amongst the “cop group” again and friends. Brad was the go to guy for a laugh, a prank or to fill a shift no one would work – day or night and often last minute.

Brad married the love of his life, Valerie Brenner, in March of 1982, less than two years after they met. This past March, they celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary and their love for each other was obvious. Brad was an exceptional father, husband and family man. Often times, he would speak with pride about their three successful and accomplished sons; Mark, Andrew and Rob.

Brad was a big guy, with a big personality and a bigger heart! He was smart and a man of integrity, kindness and generosity. He left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. He was the kind of man who made friends with complete strangers and would go out of his way to help someone or make them smile. You could also count on him crack a joke, say something funny and recall a memory the rest of us forgot. We also cannot forget the “Pfffft” sound or a toss of his yellow penalty flag he carried with him.

Brad’s dedication to his family was truly admirable. The care and commitment he showed towards every member of his family was a testament to his unwavering love and devotion. He was a man of faith, wisdom, diplomacy, and empathy. He left behind a remarkable legacy and instilled valuable principles with his family and many others.

Brad passed away knowing: He is loved – He is going to heaven – He is forgiven – He will be with his family again – and that all of God’s promises are true.

Brad will be greatly missed is by his wife Valerie, their three sons – Mark, Andrew and his wife Jennifer and Rob; grandchildren - Wesley, Parker and Hayden. His sisters; Cynthia Arroyo and Cheryl Bickel. Also, the Arroyo, Payne, Jacobs, Pratko, Hummel, Brenner & Cooley families.

Service will be held on July 6, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.

Faith Chapel Church 9400 Campo Road Spring Valley

Reception will follow at the same location.

If you wish to make a donation in Brad’s honor, his favorite charities are: Veteran’s and Law enforcement organizations. Thank you