Officer James John Rapozo

Officer James John Rapozo | Visalia Police Department, California
Visalia Police Department, California
Officer James John Rapozo

Visalia Police Department, California

End of Watch Friday, January 9, 1998

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James John Rapozo

Officer James Rapozo died in surgery at 5:50 pm from a gunshot wound he suffered during a SWAT raid.

The shootout also left one suspect dead and another man injured. Officer Rapozo was wearing a bulletproof vest, but the bullet hit his body in the underarm area and entered his chest. He was taken to Kaweah Delta Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The suspect who was killed was wanted in a shooting that left five people injured on Christmas Eve.

Officer Rapozo had served with the Visalia Police Department for six years and was a member of the SWAT team. He was the first Visalia officer to die in the line of fire since 1946. He is survived by his wife, daughter, and son.

Bio

  • Age 33
  • Tour 6 years
  • Badge 93

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun
  • Offender Killed in shootout

Raid, swat

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Jas. Today is 25years since you left us. The weather is the same as 25 yrs ago...windy, rainy, flooding, fallen trees. Wow! Overall miserable.
I miss you so much. You weren't just my baby brother but also my best friend. I miss you so so much!
I know you can hear me when I talk to you.
I Love You Jaimino.
Kath

Kathi Rapozo Pearce
Big Sister Survivor of
Officer James John Rapozo
EOW 1-9-1998
Visalia PD

January 9, 2023

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