Holly MatkinCanton, OH – Alliance Police Department (APD) Officer Joseph Amabeli died on May 18 after experiencing an unexpected medical issue, according to his department.
The 35-year-old officer’s exact cause of death was not released.
Officer Amabeli, an organ donor, was hospitalized in intensive care for four days prior to succumbing to his medical issue, according to a fundraising page established to help his family in the wake of their loss.
The APD confirmed Officer Amabeli’s death in a Facebook post on May 19.
“On May 18th APD lost a beloved member of our police department,” the department said. “Patrolman Joseph Amabeli #306 passed after an unexpected medical issue took him from us.”
Officer Amabeli served with the Sebring Police Department and the Smith Police Department prior to joining the APD on December 9, 2015.
“[He] proved himself to be a qualified, dedicated officer with the utmost integrity,” the department said. “APD saw his potential and recruited him … for our team in 2015.”
The agency said Officer Amabeli “quickly became not just an officer, but a leader among his fellow officers. He received numerous commendations for his work here and was well-liked by the public he served.”
The department described him as “a true friend” to his “brothers and sisters in blue.”
“Despite only six years of service at APD, [Amabeli] had recently become a field training officer responsible for helping train new recruits. Other FTOs average 12-15 years of service,” APD Chief Scott Griffith told WFMJ. “He was definitely a rising star in the PD before this tragedy.”
In addition to his role as a law enforcement officer, Officer Amabeli was also a member of the Sebring Village Council, the Sebring Athletic Hall of Fame Committee, and a liaison for the Patrolman’s Union, according to his obituary.
“It’s so hard to think you won’t be here to signal on for the next shift in Car 48, but we know you will always be with us and we will NEVER forget you,” the APD said.
Officer Amabeli leaves behind his wife, Jenna, and his children, four-year-old Victoria and five-year-old Joseph, according to the family’s fundraising page.
He is also survived by his parents, sisters, aunts, uncles, in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends, according to his obituary.
Officer Amabeli will be laid to rest on May 27.
If anyone feels inclined to do so please please donate. The world lost a good one far too soon.@CraigAFountain Joe "Mabs" Amabeli funeral and medical expenses https://t.co/BbcTFH7lfc
— Nicole Fountain (@neeko_fountain) May 20, 2022
JUST FINISHED. Officer Joseph Amabeli (Alliance, Ohio PD) Passed away unexpectedly Wednesday. May God comfort his family (with 2 small children), friends and fellow officers and may this sketch help them in this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/LIV6vdRYnT
— Ron Moore JR (@RonMooreJR5) May 20, 2022
It's a sad day in Trojan Country. Please keep the Amabeli Family in your thoughts and prayers. Joe was able to share his words of wisdom & what it means to be a Sebring Trojan to our team. Once a Trojan, always a Trojan. #LegendsNeverDie pic.twitter.com/cFvUMtZr1F
— Sebring Boys Basketball (@SebringHoops) May 19, 2022
It was nice to have former Sebring standout, Joe Amabeli, speak to our team about what it means to be a Trojan. Joe was a member of the 2003-2004 Final Four team. We appreciate your words, Joe! #ForTheHonor #TrojanForLife pic.twitter.com/Nvmkuhbza2
— Sebring Boys Basketball (@SebringHoops) November 20, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Alliance Police Department Officer Joseph “Joe” Amabeli, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
