Rifle City Council discussed Sherwin Williams annexing property to the city, approved appointments to the Rifle Housing Authority Board, and awarding Chief of Rifle Police Department Debra Funston with a plaque for her years of public service at their council meeting last Wednesday. 

Rifle City Council recognizes Debra Funston

Rifle City Council honored Funston with a plaque in recognition of her 37 years in public service as she retires from law enforcement.

“It’s an honor to recognize Debra Funston as she retires from law enforcement after an extraordinary 37 years in public service,” said City Manager Patrick Waller. “Throughout her career, Debra has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to the profession.”

Waller listed Funston’s accomplishments, including earning the Colorado Attorney General’s Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement in January 2025, serving on the Colorado Post Board, the Colorado Crime Information Center Board, and as president of the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police.

“I think that kind of service not only speaks not only to her experience, but to the respect she’s earned from her peers, and professionals across the state as well,” Waller said. “Here in Rifle, we’ve been fortunate to benefit from that leadership.”

Waller said Funston has led with professionalism and integrity, qualities he said strengthened the Rifle Police Department and the community. 

“Thank you for your dedication, your leadership, and the example you’ve set through the course of your career,” Waller said. “I wish you all the best in your retirement from law enforcement and I’m glad you’re sticking around the city, at least for a little longer.”

After receiving the plaque, Funston thanked those attending the meeting in support of her retirement.

“It has really been a huge honor for me to not only serve this community, but to serve these people back here,” Funston said, gesturing to the Rifle police officers who were present at the meeting to support her. “To support them with the amazing job they do.”

Funston also thanked her family, including her husband, Graham.

“I’d like to thank my family, I’d like to thank my husband, Graham, who has been there through thick and thin, he’s been there on the nights I went home upset or mad, we all have those days, but we’ve also been together to celebrate our wins,” Funston said. “I respect every single person in this department, and I’m really proud to say that we’ve got them. I’m so proud of them.”

Funston said she’s served in five police departments, but Rifle stood apart

“You guys have a fantastic police department,” Funston said. “Coming to Rifle was one of those that just hit me. It was difficult for me to announce retirement, but I knew it was right for me, and I’d also like to thank the city of Rifle, and Danielle and Patrick for allowing me to move into another position to continue serving the community and the employees of Rifle.”

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Lt. Mike Kuper is serving as interim chief of police until the position is filled. 

Rifle makes housing authority appointments

Council unanimously appointed Sara Brainard and Barb Asplund to the Rifle Housing Authority Board to fill two vacancies.

With one member moving away to California, Brainard’s appointment will last until April 2027. Another member retired, leaving Asplund to fill the position until April 2029. 

Council approves Sherwin-Williams annexation request

Council approved a request from Sherwin-Williams to rezone 1.01 acres in Rifle as Community Service Commercial for development of a Sherwin-Williams Paint Store. 

The property is on Airport Road, near Grand River Hospital and across from the Walmart. The Last Chance Ditch runs along the southern property line of the parcel that the project is being split. 

There are no other planned projects for the entire property, as the city doesn’t know how else the property will be developed. 

There was some discussion from the council members about concerns of access to the property off Airport Road, as it’s a busy route, but the public hearing was closed due to no other comments.

Councilor Michael Clancy was not present during the meeting and Councilor Alicia Gresley recused herself from the motion. The request passed unanimously among the five remaining council members.