United States of America
U.S. Navy · United States United States

Leopoldo Cesilo Gurule

Died June 7, 1980

Leopoldo Cesilo Gurule served in the U.S. Navy for 4 years and 2 months. Leopoldo served during the years of the Vietnam War and the Cold War.

How He Died
Manner Homicide
Cause Gunshot wound
Mechanism Firearm
What Happened

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.
Service Record
U.S. Navy
1962 – 1966
Also Served
Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office
Deputy Sheriff
Memorials
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Panel 7-E · Line 8 cut as LEOPOLDO CESILO GURULE
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier neuraspine_01krbxtpfjabkxph112n1shepg
Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
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Last updated August 2, 2026

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In tribute

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

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