Wildlife Officer Joel Campora - Arkansas Game and Fish Commission - True Life Hero

Joel Campora
- May. 31, 2013 -

(28031)

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Wildlife Game and Fish Commission AR Patch

Resided:	AR, USA
Born:	Jul. 03, 1980
Fallen:	May. 31, 2013
Race/Sex:	Caucasian Male / 32 yrs. of age
	Agency
Dept:	Arkansas Game and Fish Commission 2 Natural Resources Dr Little Rock, AR 72205 USA (501)223-6300
County:	Pulaski
Dept. Type:	State/Police
Hero's Rank:	Wildlife Officer
Sworn Date:	Unk
FBI Class:	Death - Disaster
Weapon Class:	Marine
Agency URL:	Click Here

Bio: As a child, Joel attended Mena Public Schools in Mena, Arkansas. He graduated from Mena High School and then attended Rich Mountain Community College. He later attended Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. He began his law enforcement career as a reserve for the Mena Police Department. He entered full time law enforcement with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Department as a county deputy and attended ALETA, (Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy.) His dream career with the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission as a Wildlife Officer 1st Class began five years ago. Joel was a member of AGFC Dive Team and the Disaster Response Team. He also was a Defensive Tactics Instructor, and Defensive Driving Instructor.

Joel was an active member of the Poteau Mountain NWTF, serving as President. He was very active member of AWOA (Arkansas Wildlife Officers Association) he was currently serving as treasurer. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, a previous Mena Optimist Club President, and S.C.H.E.C. prevention person of the year.

Anyone that knew Joel knew his love of his family and serving God. There was no mistaking his faith, his belief of God and how he loved to share it. He was a member of Waldron First Baptist Church where he was a youth leader and a Deacon. Joel served as youth director at Pencil Bluff Baptist Church and Salem Baptist Church. Joel had a passion for helping people and especially enjoyed children and young people.

Fatal Incident Summary

Offender:	No Info
Location:	Fourche Lefave River AR USA Fri. May. 31, 2013
Summary:	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.
Source:	Website Click
Related:	Cody Don Carpenter

Last Updated: May. 29, 2019