Lieutenant Joseph Rafay, Jr.

Lieutenant Joseph Rafay, Jr. | Verona Borough Police Department, Pennsylvania Lieutenant Joseph Rafay, Jr. | Verona Borough Police Department, Pennsylvania
Verona Borough Police Department, Pennsylvania
Lieutenant Joseph Rafay, Jr. | Verona Borough Police Department, Pennsylvania
Lieutenant Joseph Rafay, Jr. | Verona Borough Police Department, Pennsylvania
Lieutenant Joseph Rafay, Jr.

Verona Borough Police Department, Pennsylvania

End of Watch Thursday, January 19, 1967

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Joseph Rafay, Jr.

Lieutenant Joseph Rafay suffered a fatal heart attack while struggling with a suspect at the scene of a disturbance at a bar in the 700 block of East Railroad Street, shortly before 10:30 pm. He, another officer, and the suspect fell to the ground during the struggle as they were escorting the suspect outside. When Lieutenant Rafay stood back up he collapsed. He was transported to a hospital in Pittsburgh where he was pronounced dead.

Lieutenant Rafay was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII and had served with the Verona Police Department for 20 years. He was survived by his wife and child.

Bio

  • Age 54
  • Tour 20 years
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Heart attack

disturbance, struggle

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On this actual anniversary of your death I’d like to reiterate my previous reflection and say that your service and sacrifice are always remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

January 19, 2021

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