Joel Campora

Fallen Hero’s Hometown and State: Waldron, AR

Branch of Service: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

Rank: Wildlife Officer 1st Class

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, AR. Joel entered full time law enforcement with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department as a county deputy and attended ArKS Law Enforcement Training Academy.

He began his law enforcement career as a reserve for the Mena Police Department and his dream career with the ArKS 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.

He loved the outdoors and he was always full of energy. He had a wonderful spirit and everyone loved him. He cared for everyone and was always helpful, even when scenarios usually provoked others to walk away. 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.

Age: 32

Date of Death: May 31, 2013