A well-known, veteran Pueblo police officer died Monday afternoon while jogging in Pueblo West.
Capt. Eddie Rhodes, 55, died of apparent natural causes after he collapsed while on a run, according to Pueblo County Coroner James Kramer.
Kramer said an autopsy will be conducted today to determine the exact cause of death. Rhodes, a 30-year veteran of the police department, was a daily jogger and was known for his fitness.
News of his death came as a shock Monday to all of his colleagues, said Police Chief Jim Billings.
"My first reaction was deep shock, then quickly followed by grief," Billings said Monday night. He said Rhodes' untimely death is compounded by the fact that he was an officer who worked out, ran and appeared in good physical shape.
"He kept himself in great shape and that contributes to the shock. He's the last guy you thought this would happen to."
Rhodes became an officer in 1980 and working as a patrol officer on the graveyard shift. He was the commander of the graveyard shift and still loved working the streets, Billings said.
"He was an outstanding officer who really loved police work. He loved patrol, that was where his heart was," Billings said. "He loved the night shift. He was always out in the middle of the action."
Rhodes, a graduate of the prestigious FBI national academy, was promoted to captain in 1992.
He always maintained a close relationship with his fellow officers, according to Billings.
"He was really involved with his officers in working the night shift," he said. "He loved what he was doing."
Billings said Rhodes was also known as an outstanding marksman and had won numerous awards for his shooting skills.
"He was the best shooter in the department, the best shooter I've ever known. His skills were amazing," he said. "He was well-known in the state and nationally because of all the competitions he was involved in."
In the wake of Rhodes' death, Billings said a period of mourning has been declared for the police department. He said the officers will shroud their badges in black until funeral services for Rhodes are held. Services are pending.
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