Yakima Police Officers are wearing black mourning bands across badges as they remember and honor one of their own who died on-duty Tuesday. Officials from the Yakima Police Department say 38-year-old Sergeant Joseph Deccio, a 15-year veteran of the department, died after a "significant medical episode" that was very unexpected. Those who knew him say he was in excellent shape with no signs of any health problems. Deccio was rushed to Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital Tuesday afternoon but doctors were unable to save his life.
Today Sergeant Deccio's gray detective patrol vehicle is parked on the north side of the Yakima Police Department under a blue tent for the community stop and lay flowers and remember the officer.
The US Flag at the department is flying at half staff in honor of Sergeant Deccio.
No word on when services will be held or if they'll be open to the community.
There's no indication and no reports of Deccio being involved in anything that could have lead to his death. Services to honor Sergeant Joseph Deccio will be held in the near future and when plans are announced we'll pass them to you.

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A Yakima Police Officer is dead after suffering a significant medical episode while at work on Tuesday.

SERGEANT DECCIO WAS A 15 YEAR VETERAN OF THE DEPARTMENT

38-year-old Sergeant Joseph Deccio was a 15-year-veteran of the Yakima Police Department. Authorities say Deccio was taken to Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital on Tuesday afternoon but he died after hours of doctors trying to save his life.
A press release from the Yakima Police Department gives no specific details about what happened or what type of medical problem he had before he died.

DECCIO WAS A VALUED WITH MANY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

The press release from the department says "Sergeant Deccio was a valued member of this community of Yakima and the Yakima Police Department. He served with honor in many positions during his time with the Yakima Police Department, to include: Patrol, Field Training Officer, SWAT-Sniper Team Leader, Field Training Coordinator, School Resource Officer Sergeant and Detective Sergeant. In addition to Sergeant Deccio’s service to our community, he honorably served as a member of the armed forces. He was a Corporal in the United States Army National Guard and deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom-II as a 19- Delta Calvary Scout with the 81st Brigade HHC 1-161 Det-1 Scout Platoon."

THE DEPARTMENT IS ASKING FOR UNDERSTANDING

Officers are wearing black bands across badges Today as they honor Sergeant Deccio.

More details may be released later today.

The department press release ended with a plea from his fellow officers;

On behalf of all the honorable men and women of the Yakima Police Department, and Yakima Valley law enforcement agencies, we ask you for your patience and understanding while we grieve the loss of our family member.

Please keep Sergeant Deccio’s family in your thoughts and prayers. Details regarding services will be forthcoming.