Search by Name

Search by Name

Arnold Paul "Chief" Trujillo

Arnold Paul "Chief" Trujillo obituary, Durango, CO

FUNERAL HOME

Hood Mortuary - Durango

1261 East 3rd Avenue

Durango, Colorado

UPCOMING SERVICE

Memorial Service

Aug. 9, 2025

10:00 a.m.

St. Columba Catholic Church

Send Flowers

Arnold Trujillo Obituary

Arnold Paul Trujillo was welcomed to the House of God on July 27, 2025. Arnold, 74, is survived by his high school sweetheart, Violet Trujillo, his daughters, Shalene Trujillo, Heather Romero (Alfred Romero Jr.), and his granddaughters, Keleraini Trujillo-Valdez and Gabriella Acevedo-Trujillo (Andres Garcia Jr.).

Arnold was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on June 18, 1951, to Arthur and Gertrude Trujillo. After his birth, the family moved to Center, Colorado.

While Arnold was living in Center, Colorado, he met Violet in high school. They married on July 17, 1971. Shortly after they were married, they packed up their belongings and moved to Colorado Springs so Arnold could attend the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS) to obtain a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. He committed his life to law enforcement and soon became the youngest Chief of Police at the age of 25 for UCCS. After serving 17 years as the Police Chief at UCCS, his career as a campus Police Chief took off, taking him to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Cal State San Marcos in California, and then brought him back to his beautiful home state of Colorado, where he served as the Police Chief at Fort Lewis College. After retiring from the Fort, he began working for the Durango School District as a security guard. As "Chief" Trujillo would say, he went down a couple of grades, and soon many students referred to him as the Abuelito of the high school. Everyone loved Arnold; he never failed to put a smile on everyone's face. Arnold left the world knowing he accomplished everything he could in his life. His legacy will now live on through his family, his brothers and sisters. and all his nieces and nephews, whom he loved very much.

Hun, Dad, Grandpa, till we meet again at the table for breakfast, we love you forever and always. Fly high with the angels.

A memorial service and reception will be held at St. Columba Catholic Church on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in Durango, CO.

There will be a second Memorial Service and reception at St. Jerome Catholic Church on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at 781 Warden Street, Center, Colorado 81125.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Manna Soup Kitchen or the Durango School District Special Needs Program.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Durango Herald on Aug. 4, 2025.

Memorial Events
for Arnold Trujillo

Aug

9

Memorial service

10:00 a.m.

St. Columba Catholic Church

Durango, CO

Aug

16

Memorial service

10:00 a.m.

St. Jerome Catholic Church

781 Warden Street, Center, CO

Funeral services provided by:

Hood Mortuary - Durango

1261 East 3rd Avenue, Durango, CO 81301

Memories and Condolences
for Arnold Trujillo

Sponsored by Hood Mortuary - Durango.

Not sure what to say?





15 Entries

Nena Abachiche

Earlier today

Arnold will always hold a special place in my heart. I remember to this day how you and Violet welcome me to the family. I remember going for a ride when I was dating uncle Ernie the love of my life as we listen to the 50´s songs. I was new in town since I came for a short vacation from chihuahua Mexico and ended up spending my whole life in Colorado, happily married to Ernie Abachiche. Now that you are in heaven tell the love of my life that I miss him dearly but will reunite with him someday. My beautiful Violet and Girls God will be with you during this trying times.

Barb Powers

Yesterday

I am sorry to learn of Arnold's passing. My heartfelt condolences to Violet, Shalene, Heather, Kele and Gabriella. I worked with Arnold at the FLC Police Dept for a number of years. Chief took his job seriously but was never far from cracking a joke! He laughed about being outnumbered by his "girls," and he loved them more than anything. One of my favorite jobs because of him...diplomatic, kind, professional, funny. May you rest in peace, Arnold.

Dian Jenkins

Yesterday

Arnold was wonderful to work with. He absolutely adored his family, talking about them every time we chatted. He really did put a smile on my face. Blessings to him and his family. -

CARMA TRUJILLO

Yesterday

Violet know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am so happy that I saw you and Arnold at the family reunion in 2023. May God give you and your family the strength to get through this most difficult time.

Marcos Martinez

Yesterday

My deepest condolences to you in this most difficult of times. Hope you are in good health.

Tina Benallie

Yesterday

Arnold - I always looked for you and Violet whenever I was out and about! I will miss you!

Violet and Family - May God guide you and comfort you during this difficult time. Remember all those wonderful memories! Arnold will live on through you! Love you all dearly.

Tina Benallie and family

David Longan

Yesterday

Arnold was a great person to work with and still fun to run into at Albertsons. He will be missed. I loved hearing the stories of Center when he was younger. My thoughts go out to Violet and his children.

Marcia Maestas

Yesterday

My heart breaks for Violet, Shalenes, Heather, Kele and Gabby. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. arnold was an amazing man you treated you like family. He always was smiling and his laugh was contagious. May you find peace in this time of sorrow.

Rosie vanCleave

August 5, 2025

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I knew Arnold through our work at FLC.

Asa and Evelyn Boynton

August 5, 2025

Arnold and I met as members of The International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators. We looked forward to seeing each other and our children each year at annual conferences. We both became President of the Association. Our children still stay in touch with each other. Arnold was an honorable man, devoted to his profession, and committed to treating people with care. My prayers go out to his family. May God be with you in your time of grief.

Patricia Martinez

August 5, 2025

My heart and prayers go out to family and friends during this difficult time. Arnold was a great man who dedicated his life to his family and work. He always made me and my daughter feel welcomed into his home and all family events. Going to miss you precious soul.

Steve Nichols

August 5, 2025

So sorry to hear of your loss Violet and family. Arnold always had a happy outlook on life. Rest in peace Arnold.

Steve Nichols and Deb Kendall

Wendy Butler

August 4, 2025

My deepest condolences Violet & girls and family during your loss. Art will truly be missed, he definitely made an impact to a lot of people´s lives. Prayers for strength and comfort during this emotional time.

Heather Romero

August 4, 2025

Dad I miss you so much. You made a huge impact on alot of people. I'm proud to say to people your my dad. I love you Dad sooo much..

Filbert and Gina

August 4, 2025

Our deepest condolences to the family. RIP Arnold. Phil had the utmost respect for you!

Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results

Make a Donation
in Arnold Trujillo's name

How to support Arnold's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Arnold Trujillo's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more