A state police recruit, Enrique Delgado-Garcia, tragically passed away at the age of 25 after experiencing a medical emergency during a defensive tactics exercise at the Massachusetts State Police Academy. Delgado-Garcia's death has prompted an external investigation led by the state attorney general to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident.
During his funeral in Worcester, law enforcement officers paid their respects by carrying Delgado-Garcia's casket draped in an American flag. The somber event was accompanied by a rendition of 'Going Home' played by a bagpiper, and Governor Maura Healey ordered flags across the state to be flown at half-staff in his honor.
His untimely death has sparked demands for transparency and accountability from various groups, including the Latino Law Enforcement Group of Boston and Lawyers for Civil Rights in Boston. These organizations have called for immediate action to ensure the safety of other cadets at the academy and to address any potential lapses in training protocols.
Delgado-Garcia, originally from Puerto Rico, had pursued a career in law enforcement after earning a degree from Westfield State University. Prior to his time at the academy, he worked as a victim's advocate in the Worcester district attorney's office, demonstrating a commitment to serving his community.
The Massachusetts State Police Academy has suspended full-contact boxing training for recruits following Delgado-Garcia's passing. The tragic incident has raised concerns about the intensity of training exercises and the need for enhanced safety measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
