Massachusetts police honor fallen recruit at Worcester funeral
- Enrique Delgado-Garcia, a 25-year-old recruit, died after a training exercise at the Massachusetts State Police Academy.
- An independent investigation has been initiated, with calls for accountability from community groups and his family.
- The Massachusetts State Police have suspended full-contact boxing training to enhance safety for future recruits.
A large gathering of law enforcement officials took place in Worcester to pay tribute to Enrique Delgado-Garcia, a 25-year-old state police recruit who tragically died following a training exercise. Delgado-Garcia became unresponsive during a defensive tactics session at the Massachusetts State Police Academy on September 12 and passed away in the hospital the next day. His family and community are seeking answers regarding the circumstances of his death, particularly questioning the nature of the training that led to his medical crisis. The state attorney general has appointed an attorney to conduct an independent investigation into the incident, amid growing calls for accountability from various groups, including the Latino Law Enforcement Group of Boston and Lawyers for Civil Rights. These organizations have urged the state to suspend individuals involved in the training exercise and to implement safety measures to protect other recruits. During the funeral service, Delgado-Garcia's casket was carried by police officers, and a bagpiper played a tribute song. Flags were ordered to be flown at half-staff by the governor in honor of his service. Delgado-Garcia, originally from Puerto Rico, had a background in victim advocacy and aspired to make a significant impact in his community as a state trooper. In response to the incident, the Massachusetts State Police have suspended full-contact boxing training for recruits, indicating a shift in training protocols to ensure the safety of future cadets. The investigation's outcome may lead to further changes in training practices within the academy.