Santa Clara recently lost a legend: Frank Vasquez, the longest-serving officer in the history of the Santa Clara Police Department. With nearly 36 years of service, Vasquez held the position of chief from 1988 to 1994. He passed away on May 18, 2026 from Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis at the age of 91.
“He was a true listener without being judgmental,” said Vasquez’s daughter, Renee Kee. This quality was at the core of the community’s respect and affection for him. “He would listen to anybody and listen with respect.”
Those who worked alongside him attest to his openness and responsiveness. Bernadette DeSouza, who worked at the department during the late 1960s, reflected, “He was absolutely wonderful to work for. He was very easy to talk to. When I got promoted from the city clerk’s office, he took the time to explain things to me.”
Born in Santa Clara, Vasquez attended local schools and graduated from Santa Clara High School, where he is honored in the school’s Hall of Fame. He went on to graduate from the F.B.I. National Police Academy…