By Tiffany Williams –
At the Worcester Police Department on Tuesday the Manny 267 Foundation presented the Worcester Police Department with “Manny Tubes.”
The Worcester Police Department says the tubes will be installed in emergency police vehicles and the flotation tubes will be used as a life-saving tool when officers are responding to aquatic emergencies.
“In the midst of tragedy, the Familia family has found the strength to create the Manny 267 foundation and is working to prevent another drowning,” said Chief Steven M. Sargent. The Chief also says “These flotation devices could prevent a drowning and is another tool for our officers to use when responding to emergencies.”
The UMass Chan Medical School made the donation possible by providing the funds to purchase the flotation tubes.
The Manny 267 Foundation also announced on Tuesday a new initiative that would provide community youth with water safety and swim classes through partnering with the YMCA of Central Massachusetts, UMass Chan Medical School and City of Worcester.
“We want to give back and help in any way possible to prevent this from happening again,” said Elvin Familia, brother of fallen Officer Familia. The goal is to have tubes in 300 Worcester cruisers.
Officer Enmanuel “Manny” Familia passed away tragically last June in Green Hill pond while trying to save a teenager. Both unfortunately drowned.
For information on the Manny 267 Foundation in honor of Manny whose badge number was 267 you can visit http://www.267FOUNDATION.ORG
NewsTalk New England 