Lorain County Sheriff’s deputy dies on last day of work

ELYRIA, Ohio (WOIO) - A 52-year-old Lorain County Sheriff’s deputy died Wednesday, which was his last scheduled workday before his resignation went into effect.

Deputy Joel Rapose, 52, suffered a medical emergency at 2:30 p.m. while at work inside the Lorain County Justice Center.

“All of law enforcement is grieving over his loss, so unexpectedly and terribly,” said Judge D. Chris Cook of Lorain County Court of Common Pleas.

Judge Cook worked with Rapose for six years.

“He was a wonderful man, he was kind, thoughtful and very professional,” Judge Cook added.

Lorain County Deputy Joel Rapose((Source: Lorain County Sheriff))

LifeCare Ambulance transported him to University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

His cause of death has not been released.

Deputy Rapose grew up in Amherst and served as a law enforcement officer for over 30 years.

He began his career with Grafton police, where he worked from July 1991 to March 1998.

In March of 1996, while still working for Grafton police, Deputy Rapose began working for the Lorain County Sheriff’s office.

He leaves behind his dad, a fiance and a 16-year-old son.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Multiple police departments, fire departments, and sheriff’s offices throughout Northeast Ohio expressed their sympathies on social media.

“All of our hearts on behalf of the judges and the court system goes out to his family and the deputies while they’re going through this time,” said Judge Cook.

Post by Amherst Police Department.

Post by Elyria Firefighters Local 474.

Post by Elyria Police Department.

Post by Elyria Township Fire Department.

Post by Florence Twp Fire Dept.

Post by Grafton Village Fire Department, Ohio..

Post by Perkins Township Police Department.

Post by Sheffield Village Fire Department.

Post by Sheffield Village Police.