Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Arkansas
End of Watch Friday, May 31, 2013
Add to My HeroesJoel Lee Campora
Wildlife Officer Joel Campora and Sheriff Cody Carpenter of the Scott County Sheriff's Office drowned while assisting victims of an overnight flash flood along the Fourche Lefave River near Y City, Arkansas.
They had responded by boat to a 911 call at a home in the flooded area along the river. They both exited the boat and entered the home to assist two female victims who were trapped inside. At some point, the officers, victims, and boat were swept away by the rising water. Sheriff Carpenter's body was located the following morning, while Officer Campora's body was recovered three days later, one mile downstream.
Officer Campora had served with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for five years and previously served with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office and Mena Police Department. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, mother, father, sister, grandmother, three nephews, and a niece.
A portion of Highway 71 near Y City was dedicated as the Wildlife Officer Joel Campora Memorial Highway.
Bio
- Age 32
- Tour 11 years
- Badge 136
Incident Details
- Cause Drowned
Most Recent Reflection
View all 189 ReflectionsYou are still remembered and your sacrifice is appreciated.
Ellen Vaughter
Ellen Vaughter
June 14, 2023
Recent LODD Deaths

Lieutenant Allen "Noochie" Credeur
Rayne Police Department, LA
EOW: May 5, 2025

Special Deputy Sheriff Larry Henderson, Jr.
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, OH
EOW: May 2, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Brandon Ray Sikes
Columbia County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: April 26, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Jesse Perez
Dawson County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 22, 2025

Captain Helio Armando Garcia, III
South Fulton Police Department, GA
EOW: April 16, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Melissa Pollard
Wood County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 9, 2025

Deputy Sheriff William May
Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: April 2, 2025

Police Officer Osmar Rodarte
Marysville Police Department, CA
EOW: March 26, 2025

Sergeant Grant J. Candies
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: March 23, 2025