WORCESTER, Mass. – It’s like saying ‘I have your back’ and knowing you’re not alone.

“We do have water rescue training,” Worcester police officer Alex Marcallo said. “But, didn’t have water rescue gear.”

Now, the Worcester Police Department does. Every cruiser will come with a Manny Tube and the department will train all officers on how to use it.

The Manny Tube is like the flotation device a lifeguard uses, except this one is in memory of Officer Manny Familia. He died last summer trying to rescue a drowning teen in a pond at Green Hill Park.

Marcallo is Familia’s cousin. He said it’s bittersweet to see the tubes in action, but is happy to know officers will have access to the gear Familia never had.

“They are not obligated to go in the water,” Marcallo said. “But, this will reassure them ‘Hey, the Manny Tube has your back’.”

Officers get about eight hours of water training in the academy. The Manny Tube will be another tool they can use to keep themselves and others safe.

“The less than ideal situation,” Lt. John Bossolt said. “They get there, someone is in the water, put the vest on the tube and they are going in.”

“We are used to dealing with criminals and running after criminals with guns and knives that could kill us or harm us,” Bossolt added. “But the hidden danger is the water and other things we don’t deal with every day.”

The Manny 267 Foundation, set up by Familia’s family, is working to make sure what happened to him never happens to another first responder.

“Look, you can put two to three people on here. You can do that,” Lt. Bossolt said. “So, be confident you aren’t going to be under with that.”

“This is a better tool to assure first responders when they get on scene,” Marcallo said. “You also have help in the presence of a Manny Tube.”

Several officers trained with the Manny Tube at in the pool at the YMCA Central Community Branch on Main Street in Worcester on Thursday.

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