The administration of the Rifle Police Department is headed by 

 Chief of Police, Debra Funston, and Lieutenant, Mike Kuper.

Chief Debra Funston

Debra Funston has been serving in law enforcement for 34 years. She began her career in Virginia in 1988 and moved back to her home state of Colorado, working for several different agencies. She earned her Bachelors in Criminal Justice and a Masters in Public Administration. She served as the Chief of Police in Palisade prior to taking her position as The Chief of Police for Rifle Police Department in 2021. 

At the conclusion of the pandemic, Chief Funston felt a need to reach out to other chiefs within the organization to develop a program suited towards supporting leaders of law enforcement organizations struggling with recruitment issues, retention issues, and overall stress associated with trying to keep organizations going despite horrible national narratives and resource shortages.  She worked with a psychologist referred to her and together they formed a program titled “Chiefs Circle”.  This platform gave leaders a private zoom platform to vent frustrations and connect with other chiefs during a pandemic that restricted direct contact.   She serves as a Board Member for Colorado Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board, Vice President for the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police, and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors for Colorado Crime Information Centers.  She is married with 3 kids and 4 grandchildren who keep her busy when she is not working!  

Lieutenant Mike Kuper

 Lieutenant Kuper came to the Rifle Police Department January 22, 2001. He has served as a patrol officer, FTO, patrol sergeant, range master, and detective sergeant. Lt. Kuper is a founding member of the Garfield County All Hazards Response Team where he operated as an entry team leader and a designated marksman. Lt. Kuper was promoted to his current rank on May 2nd, 2021.