Roll of Honor
Incident
Detective Donald DeBruno was shot and killed while he and his partner attempted to serve warrants on a man wanted for six thefts in Kentucky and the murder of a man in Toronto, Canada. Detective DeBruno and his partner located the man at the Denver Bus Station, which was located at 1055 19th Street. When they approached the man, a gunfight ensued. Detective DeBruno was shot in the chest, his partner was wounded, and the suspect was critically wounded. The suspect, 29, shot four times and paralyzed from the waist down, was sentenced to life in prison. He was eligible for parole in 2006 but was denied. He had another hearing in December 2007. Detective DeBruno had served with the Denver Police Department for six years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CO-1C896A31- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Detective DeBruno gave the Denver Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Denver community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective DeBruno.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective Donald Lee DeBruno is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In CO, 235 of 360 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 65.3% of this state's fallen. That is 11.1 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Denver Police Department, 55 of 74 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 74.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Donald Lee DeBruno's cause is highlighted.
How Donald Lee DeBruno Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Donald Lee DeBruno is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Donald Lee DeBruno was killed by handgun; .36 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
73 officers from Denver Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
