Detroit Police Department, Michigan
End of Watch Friday, August 14, 2015
Add to My HeroesJoseph James Abdella
Sergeant Joseph Abdella suffered a fatal heart attack after assembling an obstacle course for a training session for the Detroit Police Department's Mounted Unit in Palmer Park.
He had spent approximately six hours moving heavy lumber and hundreds of hay bails to simulate conditions that the officers and horses might encounter while on duty. Sergeant Abdella began to feel ill and went to rest in an air conditioned office. When he failed to return after several minutes another officer went to check on him and found him unresponsive.
He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead approximately one hour later.
Sergeant Abdella had served with the Detroit Police Department for 21 years. He is survived by his wife and two children.
Bio
- Age 49
- Tour 21 years
- Badge S125
Incident Details
- Cause Heart attack
Most Recent Reflection
View all 52 ReflectionsRest in peace knowing that your memory, service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
August 14, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths

Deputy Sheriff Stanley "Allen" Burdic
Douglas County Sheriff's Office, OR
EOW: March 11, 2021

Investigator Eddie B. Hutchison, III
Walker County Criminal District Attorney's Office, TX
EOW: February 10, 2021

Deputy Sheriff Carlos Antonio Hernandez
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: April 11, 2021

Police Officer David Parde
Lexington Police Department, NC
EOW: April 17, 2021

Border Patrol Agent Christopher Shane Simpkins
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol, US
EOW: April 12, 2021

Deputy Sheriff Thomas Patrick Barnes
Jefferson Davis County Sheriff's Department, MS
EOW: April 10, 2021

Sergeant James K. Smith
Iowa State Patrol, IA
EOW: April 9, 2021

Police Officer Brent Nelson Hall
Newton Grove Police Department, NC
EOW: April 3, 2021

Deputy Sheriff Christopher Wilson Knight
Bibb County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: April 6, 2021