Rob DeBree, 58, passed away on September 2, 2016. At the time of his passing, he was enjoying two of his most cherished activities: spending time with his son, and hunting.
Rob was born July 19, 1958 to Shirley and James DeBree, in Port Huron, Michigan. Following a move which would later take the family to Montana, he attended several schools and graduated as an accomplished athlete from Bozeman High School in 1976. Rob excelled in both baseball and football. Rob would attend Montana State University, where after a year as a student-athlete playing football, he enlisted in the United States Air Force.
Upon completion of his military service, DeBree would marry Alyn Hayes in 1980, though they would later divorce in 1986. Rob welcomed the adoption of his daughter Danae Horst, in 1980, and celebrated the birth of his son, Josh, two years later.
Rob began a highly successful career in law enforcement and ultimately became a highly decorated and respected 34-year career. Rob joined the Douglas County (Colorado) Sheriff’s Office in 1980. DeBree’s dedication and work ethic would promote his noteworthy rise to the rank of Corporal within the same year. Following three years of service, Rob moved to Laramie, Wyoming to fulfill goals of being closer to family, as well as the opportunity to serve with the Albany County Sheriff’s where Rob was employed until the time of his death.
Reflected in numerous professions and professional awards, undoubtedly DeBree’s greatest source of pride would come in 1987 upon meeting his best friend and future wife, Susan (Dalles) DeBree. Married in July of the following year, the couple will continue to be remembered for their strong sense of family and generous support of Albany County youth, especially within the community of 4-H.
While Rob’s sense of dedication and determination will be remembered by all who knew him, his unshakeable commitment to service and law enforcement will forever define his greatest achievements and personal aspirations. Reflected in numerous hard-earned promotions, including Deputy, Detective Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Detective Lieutenant, DeBree’s highest rank would come in his most recent post as Albany County Undersheriff, a position he thoroughly enjoyed while serving with Sheriff Dave O’Malley
Work in the K9 Program became one of Rob’s most cherished achievements. His dogs K9 Axel and K9 Hardy were a source of pride, with both taking awards with the USPCA for their respective excellence in service. As career canine officers who effectively removed drugs from the streets, searched for the missing, and aided in apprehending criminals; DeBree so believed in their contributions and K9 program itself that he paid for his dogs personally.
Rob received the American Legion Lawman of the Year in 1998, and the Human Rights Campaign Equality Award in 2002, for his work during the Matthew Shepard homicide investigation. Recently Rob was presented with the Hometown Heroes Award.
While serving as Detective at ACSO, DeBree was instrumental in solving many cases, one of which was the controversial 1998 death involving UW student Matthew Shepherd.
While membership and service as former President of the Wyoming Peace Officers Association further demonstrates his willingness to serve and protect every citizen in his community.
Rob’s devotion and love were most deeply invested in the care and commitment he provided for his countless friends and absolutely cherished family. Known to work hard and to play hard, DeBree made an indelible impact on all who were fortunate to know him. He was a son, a brother, a loving husband, a father, an uncle, a grandfather, an outdoorsman, a hunter, and a friend to many.
Celebrating a life with no regrets, Rob will be most lovingly remembered by those he most loved and survive him: his mother and father, Shirley and Jim DeBree; sister, Gaylene Borden (Buddy); wife, Susan DeBree; son, Josh DeBree (Brande); grandchildren, Braiden, Hunter and Baylee, daughter, Danae Horst (Bill); brothers-in-law, Mike Dalles (Sally), Brian Dalles (Kay); Bill Dalles; nephews, Buddy Borden, Brady Borden, Wes Dalles, JW Dalles, Bill Dalles; nieces, Sarah Dalles, Haley Walsh (JT) and Ashley Paulrud (Jesse); and countless friends and extended family.
Memorial services are under the direction of Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home and will be held at the Albany County Fairgrounds at 4:00 p.m., Thursday, September 8th. A private service will be held in advance at Laramie’s Greenhill Cemetery at which time Rob will be laid to rest. Pallbearers include: Mike Dalles, Bill Dalles, Brian Dalles, Matt Kay, JW Dalles, and Wes Dalles. Honorary Pallbearers include: Bill Dalles, Jr., Buddy Borden, Brady Borden, Larry Wostenberg, Jesse Martin, Jeff Hasse, Dan Lantzer, Dave O’Malley, Bill Meyer, Sr., and all members of the Albany County Sheriff’s Office.
In lieu of flower, a memorial in Rob’s honor has been established with proceeds benefitting the ACSO K9 Program, Albany County Search and Rescue, and Hospice of Laramie, and the Matthew Shepard Foundation. Donations can be sent to: Dalles Ranch c/o Susan DeBree, 179 Dalles Lane, Laramie, Wyoming 82070.
Enjoyed working with Rob. He will certainly be missed. Sending condolences and peaceful thoughts to the family. Wanda Hulit, Ivinson Memorial Hospital
He was a wonderful, wonderful man. Sympathies to you all. We hope you are warmed by the memories of his smile! Peace. Mardell and Dominic Aragon
Susan and Family, I deeply saddened by the loss of Officer Rob Debree. No words can heal the pain but know I am thinking of you.
Hard to believe we celebrated our 40 year reunion about a month ago, now we celebrate your life. Rest in peace my friend.
Susan, Josh and Family, So very sorry for your loss. May you find peace within all your wonderful memories of Rob. Sending our thoughts and prayers, Francine Robinson-London and Family
Dearest Susan and Family We are so sad to hear about Rob he help with family matters and was always a great friend ? our prayers are with you and know he is in our thoughts ? John and Kathy Otte
My thoughts and prayers go out to Rob's family. I spent much time with Rob working on several cases while I was employed at the Albany County Attorney's Office many years ago. He was an amazing individual who could put a smile on anyone's face no matter the problems at hand. He will be missed my many and will always hold a special place in the hearts of all who knew him.
To the family of officer Debree thank you for having share such a great man with us he will never be forgotten .He was truly a man of honor and his life showed that in everything he did .He help my family out more than once and it was greatly appreciated .Thank you Heather Ferrill
It was an honor to have been able to work with Rob. He is one of a kind and will be missed by all. praying for all of you.
Rest in Peace Rob. You will not be forgotten. I always smile when I think of our investigative trip to Florida. We went to an alligator park on the one day we had off. When it came to the snake exhibition I wanted to get closer, you wanted to get further away. Nothing I said would get you closer to the snakes. The alligators, some of which were really big, didn't bother you. Thank you for all you have done.
Our thoughts and prayers to all involved in knowing this great man. His friends on earth will always remember him, his old friends in heaven will welcome him with open arms.
Thoughts and prayers to all.
Susan and family, We were very sad to hear about Rob. Our hearts go out to all of you. It is a very sad time for you but just know Rob will always be there. Dusty Joy & Shauna Bury
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you Rob you will be missed We are praying for peace and strength Kevin and Tamera
Rob did so much for so many! He had a way of putting folks at ease especially those who were new to the law enforcement family. Many hugs and prayers to Robs family. Susan there are no words to express to you how grateful so many are for sharing your husband with our country and our county.
RIP my brother in arms from former ACSO 555 . See you soon..
Thank you for your service to your community and fellow man. I know your love for our profession was sincere and from the heart. Rest in peace, we'll take it from here. Prayers and blessings to your family and loved ones as they carry on.
Rob was such a wonderful guy. I'd call him about a serious news story and we'd end up talking about all kinds of things. He had a great sense of humor and was an outstanding officer. Our community has suffered a serious loss. My condolences to his family.
I miss him so much. Without him, I wouldn't be where I am today. He coached me like a father and would ooh geez me when I was being irrational. I'll never forget him telling me who I should and shouldn't hang out with and I will stick with those decisions, as for, he always knew what was good for me. I'm glad he welcomed my husband into my life with a open hand...which by the way, was the first time EVER.... everyone else he sneered his lip to and told me I could do better and asked what was I thinking lol. I'm gonna miss seeing you but I know you will always be listening.
Your family has my deepest sympathy. I’m so very sorry for your loss. Well, I was thinking of something to say to ease the tremendous pain that your family is suffering. So I compiled this list of Scriptures that is sure to bring you comfort in this difficult time: Psalms 55:22; Proverbs 3:5, 6; Isaiah 41:10; 2 Corinthians 1: 3-7; James 4:8; and Revelation 21:4. Be strong. Cherish the memories. May the peace of God be with your family always. And please remember to call upon His name found at Psalms 83:18.
Rob will be missed, He was a good friend and what of the best cops I have ever known. My condolences to all of his family and to the Albany County Sheriffs Office. He Loved you all. Rest In Peace My Friend.
Rob was a reasonable level headed decision maker. I enjoyed working with him since from y remembrance around 1986. He was kind to strangers, helpful to officers no matter what agency they worked, and loving to his close friends and family. I will miss him. Mitch and Pam Cushman
Rob you are so loved and so deeply missed by so many! Generations of people are mourning the loss of such an incredible man. Rob changed my life, at a time that I could have taken a different path, he was there to guide me and never knew how much of an impact he had. I truly regret not taking the time to thank him, but trust he knows he had an impact on many. Rest in peace Rob! You were one of a kind.
Beautiful inspiring obit. He was a man of integrity and heart of gold. Susan you are in my thoughts. Love lives on forever.
Praying for Susan, Josh and Family. Rob was always a strong presents and will be missed. Prayers for his law enforcement family , were his shoes will go unfilled. No words can help with any of your pain, but I hope the continued out poring of love and support gives you and Josh comfort! The Fluty Family
Rob DeBree was such a nice guy. It's so hard to use the past tense "was", it will always seem "is". I was City Clerk for Rock River for 26 years, a good many of those years involved Rob. If needed on business he was there willing to help but mainly he was just dropping in to say hello and make sure Rock River was okay. The door would open and there he'd be with the great smile. It has been an honor to know Rob. God Bless him. Joanne Lemler, former Clerk for Rock River
Susan and family, our deepest sympathy goes out to all of you in this difficult time. Our hearts break for you and our prayers for comfort are with you! The community has lost a wonderful man! Love, Cheryl and Bruce Culver and family
Rob was truly dedicated to wanting to work with a k-9. When I had gotten Axel from Texas, Rob and Susan had watched him for me when I had went on vacation. Later, when Axel was unable to work as a patrol dog, I gave him to Rob, who would later train with Axel and do amazing work with him in the detection of drugs for Albany County. He was a dedicated family man and Law Enforcement Professional. I am sorry for your loss.
Susan and Family, Although we only got to spend time with Rob a couple of times, his love of life and others was obvious to all who knew him. Susan, you and Rob put a huge relief in this Mother's heart knowing that Dan & Chelsea always had others watching out for them. Thank you for that and may God grant you peace and joy as you remember all the good times! Shelly Seaton
Praying for peace and comfort for all the family and close friends. Scott and Christy Wald
We will miss this guy. What a smile! God grant the family healing and strength. Love Matt and Susan