Verona Borough Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch Thursday, January 19, 1967
Add to My HeroesJoseph 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.
Lieutenant Rafay, 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
Most Recent Reflection
View all 10 ReflectionsLt. Rafay,
On today, the 58th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army during World War II. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)
January 19, 2025
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