Rifle Police Department

06/20/2026

🚧 Traffic Alert — W. Third Street, W. Second Street & Park Avenue Closure Update 🚧

The intersection of W. Third Street, W. Second Street, and Park Avenue will remain closed next week as Johnson Construction continues asphalt preparation and Xcel Energy installs utility infrastructure.

Detours to the Prefontaine Mesa neighborhood:
➡️ Highway 13 Bypass → Prefontaine Avenue
➡️ W. 16th Street → Prefontaine Avenue

Please plan ahead, use alternate routes, and allow extra travel time. We appreciate your patience as work continues to improve Rifle's transportation infrastructure.

📲 Stay Informed
Follow the City of Rifle on Facebook and Instagram for project updates.

📱 Sign up for email and text notifications at rifleco.org/NotifyMe

ℹ️ Questions?
Call 970-665-6577

🙏 Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we continue improving our community's infrastructure.

06/19/2026

𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐍𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐀𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 🤠

Well now, partner, summer's settlin' in across Western Colorado, and after a dry winter, some of our wild neighbors may start wanderin' a little closer to town in search of food and water.

That means whether you're strolling down Railroad Avenue, watering the garden, or enjoying a sunset on the porch, it's a good idea to keep one eye on the scenery and the other on the lookout for wildlife.

🐻🫎🐾𝐈𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐄𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐀𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥:

• Give it plenty of space. This isn't the time to channel your inner cowboy.
• Never approach wildlife for a photo or closer look.
• Keep children and pets close by and under control.
• If the animal notices you, stay calm and back away slowly.
• Do not feed wildlife - 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑. A fed wild animal often becomes a problem animal.
• If you encounter a bear, make yourself look large, speak firmly, and slowly create distance.
• Report wildlife acting aggressively or posing an immediate threat.

🏡 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞:

• Secure trash cans and keep lids tightly closed.
• Clean barbecue grills after each use.
• Bring pet food and water bowls inside when not in use.
• Pick up fallen fruit from trees.
• Store bird seed and livestock feed in secure containers.
• Remove anything that might become an easy meal or water source.
• Keep garages, sheds, and crawl spaces closed when possible.

💧 With water sources becoming scarce, even the best-behaved critters may find their way into neighborhoods looking for a drink. The goal isn't to scare them off—it's to help keep both people and wildlife safe.

Around these parts, we believe in being good neighbors. That includes being kind to the four-legged kind. Give wildlife the respect they deserve, keep attractants to a minimum, and remember:

⭐ The wild belongs in the wild.

Stay alert, stay respectful, and enjoy a safe summer, Rifle.

– The Rifle Police Department

🤠🐻🫎🌄

06/19/2026

𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐨 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐢𝐟𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

RIFLE, Colo. — Following the investigation into the June 10 structure and wildland fire near Willow Creek Circle and Government Creek, investigators have identified an area of origin and determined the fire was human-caused. However, the specific ignition source has not yet been identified.

Investigators are asking for the public's assistance. Witnesses reported seeing a female leaving the area around the time of the fire with soot visible on her face. At this time, investigators are seeking additional information regarding this individual and any circumstances surrounding the incident. Anyone who may have information related to the fire is encouraged to contact the Rifle Police Department at (970) 625-8095 and ask to speak with Sgt. Dewey Ryan.

As fire danger remains elevated throughout the region, Garfield County continues to operate under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. Residents and visitors are reminded to exercise caution with any activity that could create a spark or ignite dry vegetation.

Please be responsible and do your part to help prevent wildfires in our community.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available.


# # #

06/18/2026

The Rifle Police Department stands with the Larimer County Sheriff's Office and the families of the deputies as they navigate this heartbreaking loss. 💙

Larimer County, we’re heartbroken to share information about a sudden and tragic loss within our agency.

On June 16, an LCSO Deputy, Sergeant, and Sergeant’s family member were vacationing together on a motorcycle trip. The men were traveling on a North Idaho scenic highway when a pickup truck attempted to pass another vehicle in a marked no-passing zone. The truck crossed the double yellow centerline and collided with the motorcycles, killing all three riders.

The truck driver was arrested and booked into the Idaho County Jail on three counts of vehicular manslaughter. Idaho State Police are investigating this crash.

Out of respect for their families’ strong desire for privacy, we aren’t identifying the deputies at this time.

There are no good words in a situation like this. Put simply, these were incredible people who dedicated their lives to making Larimer County better every single day. They trained hard, they served well, and they loved life. As we walk the long and winding path of grief alongside their families, our resolve is stronger than ever:

For them, we’ll bring light into dark places.
For them, we’ll stand for good and fight against evil.
For them, we’ll live each day with gratitude and carry their legacy forward.

Rest easy, brothers. We’ve got it from here.

💙

06/18/2026

Some people come back to a place. Others come home. 🏡❤️

Having Chief and his wife back at the Rifle Police Department feels a lot like welcoming family members home after a long vacation. We've missed his leadership, his sense of humor, and the genuine care he has for our team and this community.

Chief Klein has always cared deeply about this community, and we're excited for this next chapter as he leads our team and continues serving the town we all love.

Welcome home, Chief! 🚔💙

🚔 Welcome Back, Chief Tommy Klein!

The City of Rifle is pleased to announce that the Rifle City Council has confirmed City Manager Patrick Waller's appointment of Thomas "Tommy" Klein Jr. as the City's next Chief of Police.

Chief Klein brings more than 30 years of law enforcement and municipal leadership experience and returns to Rifle after previously serving as Chief of Police from 2017 to 2021 and as City Manager from 2021 to 2024.

Following a nationwide recruitment process, Chief Klein was selected from 16 applicants after a comprehensive interview process involving City leadership, Police Department staff, and the community.

Please join us in welcoming Chief Tommy Klein back to the City of Rifle!

📄 Read the full news release at: www.rifleco.org

06/17/2026

☀️🚗 Safe Summer 2026 ~ Get there safely 🚗☀️

We get it. Your summer vibes are in full effect. You're lake-bound, cooler packed, and ready to dust off that paddleboard.

Before you head out, your Rifle Police Department wants to help make sure you arrive safely—and make it home safely, too.

A few friendly reminders:

📵 Eyes up. Phones down.
That text can wait. That social media post can wait. Even if it's your BFF calling to ask where you're at, keep your focus on the road.

🚧 Road construction is everywhere this time of year.
Summer in Colorado means orange cones, detours, and road crews working hard to improve our roads. Pay attention to signs, slow down in work zones, and give workers the space they need. We want them to have a happy summer, too.

🐢 Slow down.
Trust us—there will still be plenty of BBQ left when you get there. Besides, there's nothing wrong with being fashionably late.

🚶 Watch for everyone sharing the road.
Summer brings more motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, kids, and visitors to our streets. Stay alert and expect the unexpected.

🍹 If you're drinking, make a plan.
Enjoying a margarita on the deck? Having a few beers at a block party? Awesome. Just make sure you have a safe ride home. Designate a driver, call a ride, or crash on your friend's couch. Your future self will thank you.

😎 Drive like your summer depends on it.
Because it does.

Have fun, soak up the sunshine, and make some great memories this summer. We'll be out there with you, helping keep Rifle safe.

🚓

06/17/2026

Rifle Third Thursdays on Third events are back!

🚧 Road Closures
• Railroad Avenue (Centennial Parkway to Fourth Street) – Closes at 3:00 p.m.
• Third Street (East Avenue to West Avenue) – Closes at 3:00 p.m.
• On-street parking along Third Street – Closes at 2:00 p.m.
Roadways will reopen after the event once cleanup is complete.

Have fun and stay safe, Rifle.

🚧 Traffic Alert: Third Thursday on Third 🚧

📅 Thursday, June 18, 2026
⏰ 5:00–8:00 p.m.
📍 Downtown Rifle – Third Street

To prepare for the first Third Thursday on Third of the summer, the following road closures will be in effect:

🚧 Road Closures
• Railroad Avenue (Centennial Parkway to Fourth Street) – Closes at 3:00 p.m.
• Third Street (East Avenue to West Avenue) – Closes at 3:00 p.m.
• On-street parking along Third Street – Closes at 2:00 p.m.

Roadways will reopen after the event once cleanup is complete.

➡️ Detour: Through traffic should use the State Highway 13 Bypass.

🅿️ Parking: Please use the designated public downtown parking lots.

Thank you for your patience, and we look forward to seeing you downtown for an evening of live music, local vendors, food, dancing, and family fun!

06/16/2026

💧 Water Supply Plan 💧

𝐁𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝, 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 – 𝐑𝐢𝐟𝐥𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲

When preparing for emergencies, water is one of the most important supplies you can have on hand.

Whether you're facing a wildfire evacuation, severe weather, an extended power outage, or another unexpected emergency, access to clean drinking water may be limited. Having a plan now can help reduce stress later.

A good rule of thumb is to store at least 𝟭 𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻, 𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀. Add an extra gallon a day for food preparation and basic sanitation needs.

🐾 And don't forget your pets! Make sure you have enough water stored for them as well. Just like us, they depend on a reliable supply of clean water to stay healthy and safe.

You don't have to build your emergency supplies all at once. Start with a few extra gallons and add to your supply over time. Small steps today can make a big difference tomorrow.

🤝 𝗥𝗶𝗳𝗹𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲
This week, talk with a friend, family member, or neighbor about the Rifle Ready initiative. Share something you've learned and ask how they prepare for emergencies.

As part of our 𝑹𝒊𝒇𝒍𝒆 𝑪𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒔 commitment, we want to help ensure our entire community is prepared—not just our own households. By sharing information, checking in on one another, and building connections before an emergency happens, we can create a stronger and more resilient Rifle.

NEW - Introducing our Rifle Ready webpage. Now you can easily access all Rifle Ready information in one place. https://www.rifleco.org/1100/Rifle-Ready

Prepared communities recover faster together.

06/16/2026

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐬𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐝, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧 𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭.

Two young community members walked over and handed our officers handwritten thank-you notes. The children left with RPD Junior Officer stickers, and our officers left with big smiles and grateful hearts.

Moments like these are just one of the many reasons our officers love serving the Rifle community. The relationships we share with our citizens are truly special, and simple acts of kindness like this remind us why we do what we do.

𝗧𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗸𝗶𝗱𝘀—𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘂𝘀—𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂. 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄.💙