By Shane Tenorio Healy
For Variety
HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — Chief of Guam Police Department Stephen Ignacio, 58, has passed away.
Early Tuesday morning, the Office of the Governor issued a statement mourning the death of Ignacio.
“Chief Ignacio’s passing is a profound loss for Guam,” the governor’s office added.
According to KUAM News, Ignacio died in Los Angeles, California, surrounded by loved ones.
Prior to being appointed as chief in 2019 at the start of the Leon Guerrero-Tenorio administration, Ignacio had been on the force since August 1987 graduating from the 28th police training cycle. At the time of his appointment, he was commander for the Hagåtña Precinct. Post files also show Ignacio served as a supervisor with GPD’s Highway Patrol Division.
“For more than three decades, he dedicated his life to protecting our people and serving this island with honor, integrity, and unwavering commitment. He wore the badge not for recognition, but because he believed deeply in public service and in the responsibility to safeguard the community he loved,” the governor’s office stated.
“Across the years, generations of officers came to know him as a mentor, a leader, and a steady hand. The people of Guam know him as a public servant who carried out his duties with professionalism, humility, and an enduring sense of purpose. His contributions to public safety and to the Guam Police Department leave a legacy that will be felt for generations,” the governor’s office added before extending their condolences to Ignacio’s family along with GPD, “who have lost not only their chief, but one of their own.”
“At a time when words can never fully ease the pain of such a loss, we hope Chief Ignacio’s family finds comfort in knowing that his life made a lasting difference in the lives of countless people across our island. Guam is safer, stronger, and better because of his service”
On Monday evening, GPD Commander Joe Carbullido, who has been detailed as Department of Corrections director, was appointed to serve as police chief to ensure continuity of leadership, according to the governor’s office. GPD Maj. Andrew Quitugua is now the acting DOC director.
