A medical emergency causes a sheriff's deputy from Lorain to pass away on his last day of duty.

(Source: Lorain County Poliece Dpt)

A medical emergency causes a sheriff's deputy from Lorain to pass away on his last day of duty.

Elyria, Ohio Officials announced Thursday that a Lorain County Sheriff's Deputy who had a medical issue while working his last day of duty at the county Justice Center in Elyria has passed away.

According to Captain Richard Bosley, Deputy Joel Rapose, 52, had a medical emergency on Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. while working at the judicial center.

Other deputies at the justice center and emergency responders attempted to save Rapose's life, but Rapose later passed away in the hospital despite their attempts.

Rapose, an Amherst native, served Lorain County as a police officer for more than 30 years. From July 1991 to March 1998, he worked as a police officer for the Grafton Police Department, where he started his career.

On March 12, 1996, he transferred from the Grafton Police Department to the Lorain County Sheriff's Office. On March 13, 1998, he was then hired on a full-time basis to join the Drug Task Force.

He was employed as a full-time deputy in September 2001 and has held that position for the last 20 years.

According to the department, Rapose was serving his final planned shift as a sheriff's deputy because he had decided to resign. He indicated a desire to come back on a part-time basis.

Rapose is survived by his father, a fiance, and a son who is 16 years old.

Bosley stated that his family is currently planning the funeral.