Massachusetts Department of Correction, Massachusetts
End of Watch: Thursday, June 25, 1998
Age: 32
Tour of Duty: 7 years
Badge Number: 6678
Cause of Death: Heart attack
Date of Incident: June 25, 1998
Weapon Used: Person
Suspect Info: Not available
Corrections Officer I Joseph Ribeiro suffered a fatal heart attack after breaking up a fight between two inmates at one of the medium-security units at MCI Shirley.
Officer Ribeiro responded to a fight between two inmates, which was broken up without incident by seven responding officers, including Officer Ribeiro. The inmates were then brought to the Health Services Unit for an examination and any necessary treatment.
Later, Officer Ribeiro was part of a two-man team that escorted one inmate to the HSU when he suddenly collapsed on the floor. CPR was initiated by medical staff, and an ambulance was called. After transport, Officer Ribeiro was pronounced dead at Deaconess Nashoba Hospital at 10:30 pm.
Officer Ribeiro had served with the Massachusetts Department of Correction for seven years. He is survived by his wife, son, daughter, parents, and sister.