Worcester Remembers Officer Manny Familia 5 Years After His Death

WORCESTER, MA — Five years after Worcester police Officer Enmanuel “Manny” Familia died trying to save a teenager from drowning, the department is marking his legacy inside headquarters and beyond.

Familia died Jun. 4, 2021, after entering Green Hill Pond at Green Hill Park during a rescue call involving swimmers in distress. Familia, 38, was a five-year member of the Worcester Police Department, and 14-year-old Troy Love also died after the incident.

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Tributes to Familia remain throughout Worcester police headquarters, according to the department. They include a memorial plaque near the main entrance, a painting in the chief’s office, the signed door of his cruiser displayed on the second floor, and his mailbox kept next to those of fellow officers.

His legacy has also continued through Manny Tubes, flotation devices named in his honor. Worcester police began carrying the devices in cruisers after Familia’s death, and the tubes were donated by the Manny 267 Foundation, which was established as a memorial to Familia.

Several Worcester police officers will receive Enmanuel “Manny” Familia Valor Awards on Friday, according to the department. The award is given to sworn department members who distinguish themselves through conspicuous bravery, heroism or other outstanding action while aware of great personal danger.

The department renamed its Award for Valor after Familia in 2024, according to the policy. Familia was posthumously presented the final Exemplary Service Award for Valor on Jun. 17, 2024, and officers who served with him during the Green Hill Park rescue also received the award that day.

Last month, 21 Worcester police officers and department officials ran from Green Hill Park to Washington, D.C., as part of National Police Week observances honoring Familia and other officers killed in the line of duty. The group traveled about 450 miles over 72 hours and ended at the National Law Enforcement Memorial, where Familia’s name is engraved.

"Manny was a father. A Husband. He was someone who loved the City of Worcester and always gave back," Worcester police wrote on Thursday. "Officer Manny Familia will always be remembered."

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