Sergeant Patricia Guillen has left a huge impression on those who knew her. She will always be remembered for having a deep respect and loyalty to her family. Sergeant Guillen served the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) for nearly 23 years and was most recently assigned to the 77th Division.
Patricia possessed many outstanding characteristics. On the job, she was reliable and focused. She was known to mentor both young and tenured detectives, and never hesitated to share her past experiences to benefit others. Those who worked for or with Sergeant Guillen became better employees because of the wisdom she imparted. Her keen instinct for detail and by-the-book mentality made her an invaluable member of the department. Off the job, Patricia kept busy following her passion for culture, adventure, and travel. She loved hiking, camping, and spending time at the beach, so it’s no wonder Hawaii was one of her favorite spots.
Sergeant Guillen’s family lovingly called her “Patsy.” Patsy was born in El Paso, Texas but moved to California at the age of two with her parents, Alonso and Maria, older sister Veronica, younger brother Federico, and little sister Dolores. Growing up in Los Angeles, she enjoyed bike riding, skateboarding, and mostly playing basketball. While at Garfield High School, Patricia was proud to be a member of the Lettergirls, a service organization comprised of female, lettered athletes who maintained their grade point averages while participating in sports and helped teachers, administrators, and other students with athletic events and campus activities. She was also pleased to be a member of the Ephebian Society, a longstanding civic betterment and service organization in L.A.
Patricia loved her family deeply and did whatever she could to be there for them. The moment Patricia learned her brother was ready to get married, she went online and became certified so that she could officiate the wedding. That’s just the type of person and sister she was.
At the age of 59, Sergeant Guillen passed away after contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. Due to the nature of Patricia’s job and one that was deemed essential during the global pandemic, she and thousands of other law enforcement officers and first responders were required to work and interact with the community, even though the majority of the country was quarantining.
A longtime co-worker said, “Our hearts are broken, and our police community continues to mourn Sergeant Guillen. It is with my deepest respect that we honor her service and duty as an officer. Thank you, Sergeant Guillen, you will be remembered.”
The family of Sergeant Patricia Guillen hopes their beloved daughter and sister is now relaxing to the sounds of ocean waves and Hawaiian music. Please join us in keeping the Guillens close to your heart and honoring Patricia for putting the lives of others ahead of her own life. She made the ultimate sacrifice, and we will never forget it.