Forty years ago today Gerald Ford was in the White House, gas was .44 cents a gallon and no one had ever the words “Star Wars” used in the same sentence. The year was 1975 and a young man by the name of Charles “Charlie” Bliss had just graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Weigh Master Academy.
A product of Bedford, Motor Carrier Inspector Charlie Bliss graduated from Bedford High School in 1970. After two years in Business College, Charlie applied for and received an invitation to the Indiana Law Enforcement Weigh Master Academy in August of 1975. After the two month school, Bliss was assigned to the Versailles Post where he served as a Motor Carrier Inspector (MCI) until transferring to the Bloomington Post in the same capacity in 1980. Throughout his forty year career, Bliss has served as a Working Leader & Supervisor, School Bus Inspection Charge Officer and presently serves as the Motor Carrier Inspector Safety Auditor.
Charlie is certified in Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Regulations, Hazardous Materials and Cargo Tanks along with rules and regulations relating to his current position as MCI Safety Auditor.
In 2008, Bliss was awarded the Commercial Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division’s Ray Reed Memorial Award. MCI Bliss was the 16th MCI to receive this distinguished award. The Reed Award is presented to a Motor Carrier Inspector that excels well beyond the normal expectations of the Division and takes the extra step to exemplify him or herself to be a role model inspector.
Charlie enjoys archery with 3D targets, bow hunting, fishing, and mushroom hunting and has been an avid NASCAR fan since 1969.
Lt. Paul Bucher, Commander of the ISP Bloomington District said “Charlie has been a great asset not only to the Indiana State Police, but also to the citizens of the State of Indiana. His hard work, loyalty and dedication to serving are very much appreciated and we look forward to working with Charlie for years to come”.
Charlie has been married for 30 years and has one daughter (married) and a son who serves in the United States Air Force.
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PHOTO - MCI Charles "Charlie" Bliss
DURNIL
