Emmanuel Familia, 38, was one of five officers who jumped to the pond in Green Hill Park at Worcester to save drowning teens.
The authorities had received multiple calls about 1:35 p.m. of people drowning in the pond, and responding officials found that the teens trying hard to stay afloat. Officers were able to rescue two of the teens, but the third teen — as well as Familia — hadn’t resurfaced.
“He went in without any regard for his own life went then kid,” Megan Lamonda, a note, told WHDH.
Divers searched the scene for two hours and discovered both Familia and the 14-year-old boy. Both were rushed to hospital and ultimately pronounced dead, WPRI reported.
“The Worcester Police Department has lost a brother, a friend and a partner, along with the city of Worcester has dropped a hero,” Worcester Police Chief Steven Sargent explained. “We will remember and honor his selfless devotion to Worcester and his ultimate sacrifice to save someone he did not understand.”
Familia was a veteran with the department; he is survived by a spouse, a son and a girl, according to ODMP.
Another diver was also transported to the hospital with minor injuries.
