Prev
Leopoldo Cesilo Gurule
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Leopoldo Gurule was shot and killed after responding to a domestic dispute. When he arrived at the scene a woman ran to his patrol car and screamed that her husband had a rifle and was going to kill the officer. As he attempted to back out of the parking spot the suspect opened fire, fatally wounding him. He was able to call for backup before succumbing to his wounds. Responding officers located Deputy Gurule next to his patrol car and found the suspect dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Deputy Gurule had served with the agency for six years and had previously served with the Santa Fe Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. He was survived by his wife and three children. A city park and a new detention center were named in his honor.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpfjabkxph112n1shepg- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Leopoldo. Claim this record.
Also honored at salute.nw — U.S. Navy. One record, 2 gates. Leopoldo is one person.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Gurule gave the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Santa Fe community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Gurule.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Leopoldo Cesilo Gurule served in the U.S. Navy (1962â1966) before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Leopoldo is one of 123 officers killed feloniously in NM, 63.7% of the 193 remembered there.
Leopoldo is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Leopoldo is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1980, 3 officers in NM were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 77 years on record. The heaviest was 1898, with 4.
In 1980, 127 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 37th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1980, 141 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 37th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Leopoldo had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Leopoldo had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Leopoldo had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 5.7% of these deaths in NM; February holds the most, 14.6%. Saturdays: 17.1%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.7% of all 193 deaths in NM, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 13% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
His people
Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, Leopoldo among them.
Military Service
Leopoldo Cesilo Gurule served in the U.S. Navy (1962–1966) before joining law enforcement.
Visit Leopoldo Cesilo Gurule’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 7-E
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.