Ret. Detective Bruce Donnell Gibbs

In honor of Bruce, we invite those in attendance to wear Denver Bronco or Nascar attire.

On December 20th, 1963, Bruce Donnell Gibbs was born to Dan James Sr. and Pearl Elizabeth in Severn, Maryland. Along with elder siblings, Selena and James “Jimmy,” and younger brother, Dan “Danny” Jr., Bruce joined a loving, God-fearing family. Never one to shy away from the spotlight, paired with his signature smile, Bruce had one that shone so bright even his loved ones often forgot their anger, troubles, and quarrels at its sight. As young as three-years-old he was known to sport a tie while humming, singing and strumming a toy guitar for friends and family of the Gibbs household. His childhood soundtrack featured home runs, touchdowns and Jackson 5 classics. Lovingly referred to as “Boog Pow” after Boog Powell––the Baltimore Orioles’ first-baseman Bruce boasted an appreciation for music that knew no bounds and had a knack for gifting special nicknames for the people in his life; Both traits o were likely passed on to him by his mother Pearl. Growing up as a Gibbs certainly left a lasting impact on his undying compassion, upstanding character, and unique personality.

Dan Sr. served in the Army and the family moved across states between Maryland to Texas. This allowed Bruce and his siblings to attend multiple schools during their early years. After attending Marley middle school, he entered Glen Burnie high school in 1977. During this time, Gibbs was active in extracurricular activities joining the school’s wrestling team along with his brother Danny, listening to his favorite band, Van Halen, and playing in a rock ‘n roll band with his friends. He graduated from Glen Burnie Highschool in May 1981, followed by visits to the Midwest and Western United States. Bruce fell in love with Colorado, began working at Ingram and there Bruce met and became smitten with a young woman named Debbie.

Bruce and Debbie became parents to their daughter, their only child, Nichole in March 1989. He took on fatherhood fearlessly, growing into the role of a “Girl-Dad” in every sense of the word. Bruce and Nichole shared many special moments together over thirty-seven years from witnessing her milestones in education to cheering her on at softball games. Perhaps most importantly, Bruce made sure Nichole knew how to identify good music and this required numerous basement jam sessions to Guns N Roses and, of course, Van Halen. He was always there with a wise word or a helping hand, especially as her personal mechanic who tirelessly mended many blown out car engines. Uncle Bruce cared for a host of nieces and nephews of both biological relations and deep friendship bonds. Being a Godfather to Tyler Cady was another badge he loved.

Bruce joined the Denver Police Department in 1995. He served district 6 with his signature smile, excelled in undercover work, which earned him recognition from colleagues and superiors. Policework was his life’s true calling to which Detectives Mark Crider, Lou Estrada, and many other law enforcement professionals can attest. Bruce and Mark met during their academy days and together they rose in rank over a career-long partnership. Bruce received a promotion to the role of detective in 2002. His undercover investigation skills were put to good use in solving child abuse and domestic violence cases before finding a home in the City’s homicide department. Over the next seventeen years, Bruce poured extensive hours, discipline and dedication into these special cases to foster positive change to individual families and the larger Denver Community. In 2019, Bruce and his partner, Lou Estrada won the Citizen Appreciate Police (CAP) Award. Moved by their care and consideration, a mother shared how they went above and beyond the call of duty by securing lodging and grief counseling among other resources while investigating her child’s homicide case. Although Bruce held his DPD service in high esteem, he considered working alongside his brother Jimmy as one of the greatest accomplishments of his career. Bruce’s sister Selena always impressed him with her courage to fight for the underdog. Bruce Gibbs retired in 2022 and was employed by DPD for 27 years.

When he wasn’t dressed in a suit headed to the police station, one could spot Bruce in his other uniform, a Denver Broncos jersey preferably with an ice cold Budweiser. He loved watching NASCAR races, especially in person with his dear friend Doug Cady. As fans of Jeff Gordon and Kyle Larson, Bruce and Doug attended races from Talladega to Daytona, Chicago to Vegas, and Darlington to Martinville. Bruce treasured trips to the cabin with his friend Randy Stegman, once there the two would head out to Lake Plaman to enjoy both open-water and ice fishing. Those lucky enough to cross paths with Bruce learned quickly that if he took a liking to you, you earned a nickname.

Bruce D. Gibbs was called home to the Lord on April 24th, 2026. He is survived by his daughter Nichole Gibbs and her mother Debbie; plus siblings Selena Dunham, James “Jimmy” Sewell, and Dan “Danny” Gibbs Jr.; a host of nieces and nephews including Margo M. Davis, Alicia M. Sewell, Jessica P. White (Cameron), Benjamin C. Sewell, Eric J. Dunham (Franchell); great-nephews and Nieces: Alyssa, Eriaqwon, Isaiah, Myles, Makai, Aiyanna, Tajari, Jaasir and Jazaria; and a godson Tyler Cady. He is preceded in death by his parents Dan Sr. and Pearl Gibbs.