Holly MatkinJustice, IL – Justice Police Department (JPD) Corporal Joseph “Joe” Pavlik died unexpectedly at his home on July 22, according to his department.
The 33-year-old officer served the Crestwood Police Department prior to joining JPD six years ago, the JPD said in a press release.
In addition to his regular duties, Cpl. Pavlik was also a member of the JPD’s 5th District SWAT team.
“Cpl. Pavlik took great pride in being a police officer,” the JPD statement said. “[He] remained true to his personal pledge and oath to be compassionate to those he served without reservation.”
The highly-decorated officer “had a unique talent in reaching people during their worst of times,” the JPD statement said. “Cpl. Pavlik will not only be missed by those he worked with but also by the community he served and the people he touched.”
His loss has created a void that “will be difficult if not impossible to fill,” the department added.
Cpl. Pavlik leaves behind his wife, Bridget, and his one-year-old son, Joey, according to his obituary.
He is also survived by his parents, in-laws, grandmothers, and many friends and extended family members.
A fundraising page established to help his widow and son in the wake of their loss has raised over $76,000.
Cpl. Pavlik was laid to rest on Wednesday, according to his obituary.
Supporting the family of Cpl. Joe Pavlik https://t.co/sKOux6qctu
— Terry Byrne (@Lucky4331) July 27, 2020
We lost one of our local LEO’s on Wednesday, July 22, 2020. Corporal Joseph Pavlik passed away unexpectedly at his home. He was a police officer with the Justice, Illinois police department and a member of our local 5th District SWAT Team. pic.twitter.com/HIMvxFE912
— Spartan Tactical (@Team_Spartan) July 26, 2020
In Remembrance of
Justice,IL Police Cpl Joseph PavlikEOW 7-22-2020 pic.twitter.com/NbPaSVwGfJ
— Nifgalerts (@NIFGALERTS) July 24, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Justice Police Department Corporal Joseph “Joe” Pavlik, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
