It is with great sadness that we announce the Line of Duty Death of Albert Lea Lieutenant BRETT THOMAS BOSS. Brett passed away on Saturday Feb 5 2022 at the age of 38.

Brett was born on November 30, 1983, to Karen (Watkins) Boss in Fargo, ND and later adopted by Todd Boss in 1992. During his high school years, he was involved in Fire Explorers, which is where his passion for service began, and blossomed throughout his life. He graduated from Albert Lea high school in 2002. Brett and Danielle united in marriage on October 18, 2006 in Albert Lea.

Brett was heavily involved with the Albert Lea Fire Department. To say that he loved being a firefighter was an understatement and he showed that every day through his devotion to his department and crew. He was involved in everything firefighting by going to trainings, participating in firefighter combat challenges and Fight for Air Climb events. Following his diagnosis, he became a strong advocate for cancer prevention for firefighters locally, and in the state of Minnesota.

Along with his role as part of the Albert Lea Fire Department crew he was also an instructor for the Live Strong program at the Y, was an EMT, a Hazmat Technician, fire investigator and firefighter instructor at Riverland Community College.

Brett liked to stay physically active and participated in half marathons, tough mudders and many other events.

Brett treasured his family. He loved camping and fishing with them. He loved cheering on his kids in every sport they were involved in and made every moment count.

Brett was a soft spoken, humble man and caring towards everyone that he met. He was the biggest fighter with the most positive attitude all the time and showed passion towards all of his work, family and coworkers. The impact he has made on his community can never be measured and “Will Never Be Forgotten”.

Brett is survived by his wife, Danielle; children, Jaelyn and Aiden. Parents, Karen Boss of Hollandale, and Todd Boss of Fargo, ND; sister, Nicole Boss of Fargo, ND; grandma, Joyce Boss of Fargo, ND; mother and father in law’s, Wayne (Shirley) Rankin of Lake Mills, IA and Julia (Duane) Scherff of Hayward, MN. Sister and brother in law’s, Melissa (George) Leistikow of North Branch, MN, Ashley (Brett) Haase of Albert Lea, MN, Matthew (Amber) Rankin of Albert Lea, MN, Andrew (Amanda) Loucks of Lakota, IA and Sam Loucks of Lakota, IA. Aunts and uncles, Lesley (Rick) Meyer of Fargo, ND, Brett (Dawn) Boss of Fresno, CA, Lynn Boss Rogers of Dillworth, MN, David (Alessandra) Warm of Boyton Beach, FL and Jeannie Watkins of Valley City, ND; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is preceded in death by grandpa, Dale Boss, grandpa, Arthur Watkins and uncles, Christopher and Michael Watkins.

Funeral and Visitation Information

VISITATION:
Date: Friday, February 11th, 2022, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Date: Saturday, February 12th, 2022, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Location: Crossroads Church, 3402 Hoeger Ln, Albert Lea, MN 56007
Uniform Class A or B Required
Mourning Bands Albert Lea Fire Rescue and Freeborn County Departments only

FUNERAL:
Date: Saturday, February 12th, 2022, 3:00pm
Location: Crossroads Church, 3402 Hoeger Ln, Albert Lea, MN 56007
Uniform Class A or B Required
Mourning Bands Albert Lea Fire Rescue and Freeborn County Departments only

All Minnesota Firefighters are invited to support Lieutenant Brett Boss’s Family and celebrate his life. There will be seating available for all visiting firefighters at the church. There will be a Sea of Uniforms at the church followed by a processional to the Albert Lea Fire Station. Following the processional Albert Lea Fire Rescue would like to invite all visiting firefighters for a meal at the Albert Lea Fire Station.