WORCESTER, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The police officer that died trying to save a teenage boy in Worcester will be laid to rest this Thursday. Officer Enmanuel "Manny" Familia died Friday after trying to save 14-year-old Troy Love from Green Hill Pond.
Familia's funeral will be held on June 10th at 10 a.m., at St. John’s Catholic Church in Worcester.
Officer Familia is being hailed a hero after he attempted to save Love from the pond. "We lost a true hero and the pain we feel from this loss has been overwhelming," wrote Worcester Police Chief Steven Sargent.
Love was visiting family in Worcester from Virginia, and family told WBZ-TV that the boy had been a strong swimmer. "Halfway through, he went under and didn’t come back up," said Love's aunt, Erica Diaz.
Familia's body was taken from UMass Memorial Hospital to the medical examiner's office by police escort, and members of the Worcester Police attended Familia's son's little league baseball game in his place Sunday morning as a show of support, according to WBZ-TV.
The five-year veteran of the department leaves behind a wife and two children. A GoFundMe started to support his family had already raised more than $60,000 one day after going live, and Worcester Police said contributors could also send in checks.
Troy Love's family is also raising money for funeral services though a GoFundMe.
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(Photo: Worcester Police Department)