Early Tuesday morning, off-duty Cook County Sheriff’s Deputy Rafael Wordlaw was sitting in his red Chevrolet Camaro at a gas station in Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood. He was with a friend who was parked at the pump next to him. A suspect armed with two guns approached the two men and announced a robbery. Without hesitation, and with complete disregard for his own safety, Deputy Wordlaw drew his personal firearm and exchanged gunfire with the suspect as he heroically attempted to protect the life of his friend.

The gunman fired nearly 70 rounds from at least one modified fully automatic handgun, fatally wounding the deputy in the chest. Rafael still managed to get off a single shot that struck the gunman in the leg. Deputy Wordlaw attempted to drive away and collided with a pole a few blocks from the gas station. He died a short time later. The wounded suspect fled the scene and was eventually arrested after showing up at a hospital for treatment. He was identified as a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, including multiple prior arrests for gun possession.

Deputy Sheriff Rafael Wordlaw joined the Cook County Sheriff’s Office in February 2020 and served as a corrections officer at Division 6 of the Cook County Jail. Rafael aspired to be like his father, following in his footsteps to a career in law enforcement. He was remembered for being a hard-working, dedicated family man who would help anyone that he could, and was devoted to his job with the Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Wordlaw would have celebrated his 32nd birthday next week.

Please keep the Cook County Sheriff’s Department and the entire Wordlaw family in your thoughts.