Deputy Sheriff Joe Trapolino
Harris County Sheriff's Department
Texas
End of Watch: Saturday, May 23, 1936

Biographical Info
Age: 41
Tour of Duty: 18 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Saturday, May 23, 1936
Weapon Used: Shotgun
Suspect Info: Arrested

Deputy Trapolino was shot and killed while he and another deputy attempted to serve a lunacy warrant. When the deputies arrived at the home they encountered the subject with a shotgun. Deputy Trapolino attempted to persuade the man to put the gun down by telling him they were only going to take him to a doctor. The suspect continued to threaten them as the deputies walked down the driveway. As the deputies drew their weapons and took cover the man shot Deputy Trapolino in the back. The suspect was arrested a short time later.

Deputy Trapolino had been with the agency for 18 years.