NEW YORK (AP/1010 WINS/WCBS 880) — A New York City police officer died Wednesday after suffering an apparent medical episode at a training facility in the Bronx.
A 33-year-old officer lost consciousness at 11:30 a.m. while at Rodman's Neck, an operations base used by police for weapons and tactical training, a spokesperson for the New York Police Department said. He was pronounced dead shortly after at a nearby hospital.
The death did not involve gunfire, the spokesperson said. Authorities were investigating whether the officer may have suffered heat stroke or a heart attack.
NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban publicly offered condolences for the fallen man and identified him as Probationary Police Officer Edgar Ordonez. Ordonez was set to graduate in just a few days.
"As we continue to grieve this terrible loss, we will keep Edgar’s family, friends, and fellow officers in our thoughts and prayers," Caban said.
Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry released a statement regarding to death, calling Ordonez a "a beacon of joy and positive energy for his fellow recruits."
"He had the drive and determination necessary to become a New York City police officer, and he was just days away from hitting the streets and making a difference in protecting our city," Hendry said. "Now we must focus on being there for his family as they deal with this unimaginable loss.”