Several law enforcement departments across the county took to social media to express their condolences.
ELYRIA, Ohio — The Lorain County Sheriff's Office is mourning the unexpected loss of one of its own.
Authorities said it was around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday when Deputy Joel Rapose, 52, "experienced a medical emergency while at work inside the Lorain County Justice Center."
Lifesaving efforts were conducted on scene, but Deputy Rapose was pronounced dead.
The Lorain County Sheriff's Office said Deputy Rapose grew up in Amherst and served as a law enforcement officer for more than 30 years.
"He began his career with the Grafton Police Department where he served from July of 1991 until March of 1998," according to a press release from the sheriff's office.
He was then hired full-time at the Sheriff’s Office as a Drug Task Force Member on March 31, 1998. His next career move came on Sept. 25, 2001, as Deputy Rapose was hired as a full-time deputy.
Deputy Rapose leaves behind a 16-year-old son, his fiancee and his father. Funeral arrangements are pending.
Wednesday evening, several law enforcement departments across the county took to social media to express their condolences:
The Lorain Police Department would like to offer our deepest condolences to our brothers and sisters at the Lorain...
Posted by Lorain Police Department on Wednesday, February 9, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Lorain County Sheriff's Office as we all mourn the loss of one of their deputies. An amazing man gone way too soon. We’ll take it from here, Deputy.
Posted by Amherst Police Department on Wednesday, February 9, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with our brothers and sisters at the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office as they mourn the loss of one of their own today.
Posted by Elyria Township Fire Department on Wednesday, February 9, 2022
The Perkins Township Police Department would like to offer our deepest condolences to our brothers and sisters at the...
Posted by Perkins Township Police Department on Wednesday, February 9, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with our brothers and sisters at the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office as they mourn the loss of one of their own today.
Posted by LifeCare Ambulance on Wednesday, February 9, 2022
Thoughts and prayers for our Brothers and Sisters from Lorain County Sheriff Department.
Posted by Elyria Firefighters Local 474 on Wednesday, February 9, 2022
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