Racine, WI – Racine County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) Deputy Joshua “Josh” LaForge died unexpectedly on July 4 after suffering a heart attack while out on his morning run.

The 41-year-old deputy passed away with his wife, Nicole, by his side, according to his obituary.

The RCSO confirmed Deputy LaForge’s tragic death in a press release several days later.

“On behalf of Sheriff Christopher Schmaling, we would first like to thank the community for the outpouring of support for family and friends of Deputy Joshua LaForge, the Racine County Sheriff’s Office as well as the City of Racine Police Department,” the sheriff’s office said. “Deputy LaForge was a dedicated law enforcement officer having served his community for over 18 years.”

Deputy LaForge served the Racine Police Department (RPD) for 18 years prior to joining the RCSO in January, according to his obituary.

“He took on many roles within the department, helped in countless charity endeavors, and though the weight of service was at times heavy, he treasured the community in which he made a difference,” the tribute read. “His colleagues were as though family to him and their comradery and support was essential to the life that filled his soul. Not many are so lucky to love what they do and who they do it with, but Josh was.”

In addition to his wife, Deputy LaForge leaves behind his twin sons, Mitchell and Conrad, and his daughter, Adelaide.

He is also survived by his parents, siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins, and many friends.

A fundraising campaign established to help his family in the wake of their loss has raised more than $27,000 so far.

Deputy LaForge was laid to rest on July 13.

His name
was Joshua LaForge,
a Deputy for the Racine
County Sheriff’s Office.
He died from a heart attack
while out on a morning walk/run. Prayers for his family
of blue and blood.
Racine County Sheriffs Office pic.twitter.com/PuADx9pisv

— LEON *** (@jose22780) July 8, 2023

Rest in peace, Racine County Deputy Joshua LaForge. An obituary says the 41-year-old died of a heart attack on July 4. He leaves behind his wife and three young children. pic.twitter.com/A1PD3hDDKa

— Jason Calvi (@JasonCalvi) July 7, 2023

HAPPENING NOW- A procession will soon be underway in Union Grove for Racine County Deputy Joshua LaForge. LaForge passed away unexpectedly as the result of a heart attack on July 4 while out on a morning walk/run. He leaves behind a wife and three children. @fox6now pic.twitter.com/FwB9EKStkY

— Angelica Sanchez (@AngieSanchezTV) July 13, 2023

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Racine County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Joshua “Josh” LaForge, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.

Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.