At the time of Deputy Trapolino’s death, he had been employed by the Harris County Sheriff’s Department for 18 years, but his time at the Department actually began in childhood. As a youth he would hang around the county jail making calls for the deputies, who at that time rode on horseback. Joseph continued this dedication to the Department through the terms of Sheriffs Archie Anderson and Frank Hammond. Joseph made such an impression on Sheriff Anderson that he appointed him “Special Deputy” and gave him a small badge and gun. Joseph finally fulfilled his dream when Sheriff T.A. Binford appointed him Deputy Sheriff in 1918. On Saturday, May 23, 1936, Deputy Trapolino and Deputy W. Tully entered a residence in an attempt to serve a “lunacy” warrant. Once inside, the suspect grabbed a shotgun and told the deputies to leave. Deputy Trapolino, who had a personal code to “bring ‘em in alive,” tried to persuade the man that they were only going to take him to see a doctor. After the man refused, Deputy Trapolino and his partner turned and began walking down the driveway. As they proceeded, the man once again threatened the deputies. Deputy Trapolino shouted for his partner to take cover, and as they turned, drawing their weapons, the suspect fired once striking Deputy Trapolino in the back, killing him. Deputy Tully returned fire wounding the suspect who was still able to flee. The suspect was later apprehended. Due to Deputy Trapolino’s popularity within the community, the suspect had to be protected from a mob of some 2,500 citizens armed with guns and clubs. Deputy Joseph Trapolino was 41 years old at the time of his death and the 5th deputy to die in the line of duty.