Andy A. Vigil

Andres "Andy" Abelino Vigil passed away on January. 28, 2023 at the age of 87.
Andy was a life-long resident of Las Vegas, NM, and long time police officer for the Town and City of Las Vegas. He was the first police chief of Las Vegas after being appointed by the first mayor of the City of Las Vegas, Chief Gonzales in 1970.
Andy was preceded in death by his daughter Cyndee Vigil and his first born son, his parents Melecio and Juanita Vigil. His siblings, Victor Vigil, Robert Vigil, Margaret Vigil Rodriguez, Fedelina Vigil Ortega, Fernando Vigil, Melecio B. Vigil, Jr., Joe Vigil, and his brothers and sisters in law, Frank B. Rodriguez, Albert Ortega, Agnes Geoffrion Vigil, Susie Stines Vigil, Josie Urioste Vigil, and Flora Tarazan Vigil.
Andy is survived by his wife Gloria Archuleta Vigil, his daughters Della Rae Vigil; Judy Montoya (Arthur); Frances Armijo (Gilbert); and Donna Martinez (Steven): By his brothers, Paul and Maurilio Vigil (Alberta); He is also survived by his 6 grandsons, 2 granddaughters, 7 great grandsons and 3 great granddaughters.
Andy was born in Pecos, NM in 1935 and lived there until 1941 when his father accepted a job as deputy sheriff under Ceferino Quintana and moved the family to Las Vegas.
Andy attended North Public Elementary School before enrolling in the newly opened Town High School as a freshman in 1949. When the high school and junior high closed in 1951, he transferred to the Immaculate Conception Catholic High School for 2 years.
At age 17, Andy enlisted in the United States Navy after convincing his parents to sign a waiver allowing him to enlist as an under-age recruit. He later completed his GED the Armed Forces Institute. He attended basic training in San Diego Naval Training Center where he learned to operate small-motor equipment.
During his time in the Navy Andy was able to travel and have many experiences from San Diego to Washington State to Japan. Andy was transferred to the Catamount in 1955 where he took part in the evacuation of the Tachen Island by the orders of President Eisenhower in which they evacuated some 30,000 civilians and soldiers to safety.
After leaving the Navy Andy returned to Las Vegas continued courting his high school sweet heart Gloria Archuleta. Andy signed up for a telegraphic course offered by Midwest Business Collage in Pueblo, Colorado. After completing the course he applied for a job with the ATSF railroad as a telegrapher. He was hired and sent to Sacramento, Calf. He didn't like the isolation and returned home to his now wife Gloria.
Andy applied for a job and was hired as a policeman for the Town of Las Vegas. Through time he became proficient at his job, was promoted and took over the night shift. By 1970 he replaced Melecio Perea as Chief of the Town Police Department.
In 1970 after operating as 2 towns for over 70 years Las Vegas was now consolidated as one City of Las Vegas with one mayor who was Fidel "Chief "Gonzales. His first appointment was Andy Vigil as the first chief of the consolidated City Police Department.
Andy began working towards building this newly established department with personal, equipment and technology. Much of this was funded by grants. By the mid 70's, it was an effective and modern law enforcement agency serving 14,000 residents.
During this time period Chief Vigil was challenged with protests that were happening on the NM Highland University campus as well as many communities throughout our country during the Vietnam War. Chief Vigil kept civility while allowing the protestors to have their voice. Some members of the city council felt that the Chief should be taking a more aggressive approach towards the protesters. They in turn decided they needed new leadership.
At the same time the new Hispanic, president, Frank Angel, was impressed with Andy's overall de-escalation of the conflict and in particular his protection of the new president in providing security. Angel offered Andy a job and promising the creation of a better staffed police force on the NMHU campus. He was offered a promotion and equal pay with the city. Andy accepted the job as Chief of NMHU police Dept. In a few years reorganized the previously largely security into a fully functional campus police department.
Andy retired in 2004 after 38 yrs in law enforcement, most of which he was chief of police, for the Town of Las Vegas and the Chief of Police and Securities at New Mexico Highlands University.
Rosary will be recited on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Church. Cremation has taken place.
Funeral Mass will be conducted on Thursday, February 9, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Church with Father Rob Yaksich serving as Celebrant.
Interment will be at Santa Fe National Cemetery at in Santa Fe, NM at 2:30 p.m.
Arrangements are entrusted and under the care of Rogers Mortuary 600 Reynolds Ave. Las Vegas, NM 87701 (505) 425-3511 or 1-800-479-3511.
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