Holly MatkinYakima, WA – Yakima Police Department (YPD) Sergeant Joseph “Joe” Deccio died in the line of duty on Tuesday after suffering a medical emergency.
The 38-year-old sergeant was at work on the afternoon of Aug. 3 when the “significant medical episode” occurred, the YPD said in a press release.
“Sergeant Deccio was rushed to Yakima Memorial Hospital for emergency medical treatment,” the department said. “After several hours of life saving efforts, he was pronounced deceased.”
Details regarding the 15-year department veteran’s exact cause of death have not been released.
“Anybody that would have to try to save their coworker can imagine how hard this is,” Yakima Police Chief Matt Murray told KNDO. “Joe was a joy to be around, just a pleasure and you can’t talk about Joe without mentioning his family, because he was so passionate about his family.”
Sgt. Deccio “served with honor” in a variety of positions during his nearly two decades of service to the YPD, the agency noted.
He served as a patrol officer, SWAT-sniper team leader, field training officer, school resource officer sergeant, field training coordinator, and detective sergeant.
In addition to serving his community, Sgt. Deccio was also a U.S. Army National Guard corporal who deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom-II as a 19- Delta Calvary Scout with the 81st Brigade HHC 1-161 Det-1 Scout Platoon, according to his department.
“Sergeant Deccio was a valued member of this community of Yakima and the Yakima Police Department,” the YPD said. “On behalf of all the honorable men and women of the Yakima Police Department, and Yakima Valley law enforcement agencies, we ask you for your patience and understanding while we grieve the loss of our family member.”
“Please keep Sergeant Deccio’s family in your thoughts and prayers,” the department added.
MEMORIAL SERVICE
Please see the details for Sgt. Deccio’s memorial service, all are welcome to attend. pic.twitter.com/17wWKM7JuX— Yakima P.D. (@yakimapolice) August 6, 2021
Our hearts go out to fallen City of Yakima Police Officer’s loved ones & the community for their loss. August 3rd while on duty, Sgt. Deccio suffered a medical emergency and did not survive. May he rest in Peace. @yakimapolice pic.twitter.com/ilAgTpMVck
— IssaquahPolice (@IssaquahPolice) August 5, 2021
COMMUNITY MEMORIAL:
Sergeant Joe Deccio’s assigned Detective Vehicle will be placed on the northeast lawn of the Yakima Police Department and available for public viewing in honor of his service. Sergeant Deccio’s vehicle will remain in place until his memorial service. pic.twitter.com/CtITNkdRnF
— Yakima P.D. (@yakimapolice) August 5, 2021
1/2: Yakima Police Sergeant Deccio, 38, had served with the @yakimapolice for 15 years and leaves behind his widow, two children and other family members.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of Sergeant Deccio, and will support his survivors. pic.twitter.com/mQriYJAb2h
— WAStateC.O.P.S. (@WAStateCOPS) August 5, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Yakima Police Department Sergeant Joseph “Joe” Deccio, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
