Community Corner
After Cancer Battle, Worcester Officer Iggy Garcia Dies
Garcia, who worked as an officer for 17 years, was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer earlier this year.
WORCESTER, MA — Worcester police and many more across the region are mourning 17-year police Officer Ignacio "Iggy" Garcia who died over Labor Day weekend after being diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer earlier this year.
In March, friends and family began raising money to help Garcia, who turned 47 in September, and gave birth to the #IggyStrong effort. The fundraiser was done on behalf of an officer who local officials said was always giving back to his own community. Garcia was a member of the department's gang unit, but also volunteered with local youth organizations.
"He made a lasting impact on the City of Worcester, particularly in his efforts to create positive experiences for our youth," City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. said Monday.
"I can’t recall a day when I didn’t see Iggy smiling,” Worcester Chief Steven Sargent in a Monday news release.
We’re saddened to hear of the passing of Worcester Police Officer Iggy Garcia after his battle with pancreatic cancer. Our thoughts and prayers are with Iggy’s family, friends and the members of the Worcester Police Department. pic.twitter.com/vCZ7rZHURj
— Joseph D. Early Jr. (@worcesterda) September 5, 2021
Garcia leaves behind his wife, Shana, a Worcester Public Schools physical education teacher, and three children: Dezi, Lucia and Giuliana.
Garcia was being treated at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, and a fundraiser launched in March sought to raise $350,000 to help his family cover medical and other expenses. The fundraiser was just over $170,000 as of Monday.
Garcia's death comes nearly three months to the day that Worcester Officer Manny Familia died while trying to rescue a drowning child at a pond at Green Lake Park. Neither the police department nor city officials announced immediate plans over the holiday weekend for Garcia's funeral.
