Guam’s Chief of Police Stephen C. Ignacio has died, the governor’s office announced this morning.
The chief, 58, served in law enforcement for almost 40 years. Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio said Ignacio wore the badge not for recognition, but because he believed deeply in public service and in the responsibility to safeguard the community he loved.
Ignacio began his career as a police recruit in 1987, progressing through ranks from police officer to police captain. He was appointed acting chief of police in January 2019 by the Leon Guerrero-Tenorio Administration and was unanimously confirmed by the 35th Guam Legislature on Apr. 25, 2019.
Ignacio is one of the longest-serving chiefs of police in the department’s history.
The governor’s office offered condolences to the chief’s family, friends and members of the Guam Police Department.
Police Commander Joe Carbullido has been appointed as acting chief of police.