The Rifle Police Department’s Chief of Police Debra Funston has announced she will retire from law enforcement in April. 

Funston has served Rifle since December 2021 and will finish her law enforcement career as she transitions into another role with the city. A Western Colorado native, Funston has been in public service for 37 years. 

In January 2025, Funston was awarded the Colorado Attorney General’s Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement. She has served in multiple leadership and local public safety positions, including the Colorado POST Board, the Colorado Crime Information Center Board of Executive Directors, and as President of the Association of Chiefs of Police from 2023-24. 

“It has been the honor of my career to serve the Rifle community and to work alongside the dedicated men and women of the Rifle Police Department,” Funston said in a news release. “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together. This department is filled with professionals who care deeply about their community, and I am confident in their continued success moving forward.”

Funston will continue to support the city of Rifle following her retirement, ensuring continuity during the leadership transition. 

“Chief Funston has dedicated the past four years to serving the Rifle community and strengthening our police department,” City Manager Patrick Waller said in the release. “Her leadership, professionalism, and commitment to public safety have made a meaningful impact on our city and the officers she led. On behalf of the city of Rifle, I want to thank her for her service and wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement.”

The city of Rifle has named Lt. Mike Kuper as interim police chief following Funston’s retirement. Rifle has initiated a structured recruitment and selection process to identify the department’s next chief of police.