La Plata County Sheriff, Sean Smith congratulates Phillips on his retirement, prior to serenading him with a song. Ignacio Mayor Clark Craig declared May 31, 2024, as Chief Kirk Phillips day in Ignacio, Colo. recognizing his decades of service to both the community and the Ignacio Police Dept.

Community members packed Ignacio’s Town Hall to celebrate the retirement of Police Chief Kirk Phillips Thursday, May 30; Tina Velasquez was among the many in attendance.

Ignacio Police Chief Kirk Phillips retired at the end of May following 32 years of service with the Ignacio Police Department. Phillips was given an opportunity to address friends, family and fellow law enforcement who attended the retirement held in Ignacio’s Town Hall, Thursday, May 30.

Phillips’ successor, Wes Crume, was sworn in as Ignacio’s new Chief of Police, Thursday, May 30, at Ignacio Town Hall.

Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum