Night of comedy to support family of Worcester Police Officer Manny Familia

WORCESTER, Mass. — For more than five weeks the City of Worcester has grieved the horrific loss of Worcester Police Officer Manny Familia. On June 4, Officer Familia died in the line of duty, trying to save a drowning teenager.

Now, the law enforcement community is getting ready to honor Manny and raise money for his family with a Night of Comedy at Polar Park, the brand-new home of the Worcester Red Sox.

PREVIOUS: Worcester Police officer drowns trying to save children from pond

Event organizer, Massachusetts State Police Sgt. Patrick McStay, said Officer Familia’s sacrifice is felt throughout law enforcement.

“Law enforcement is a brotherhood,” Sgt. McStay said. “And when you lose one, no matter who you work for, the whole country feels it. Especially now. It’s a tough time being a police officer.”

Worcester Police Officer Rebecka Mailea knew Officer Familia and was his close friend. Today, she is the Worcester Police Department’s liaison to Officer Familia’s family.

“Manny was full of life, always had a smile on his face. [He was the] first person to throw a joke, say a sarcastic comment, but put you at ease if you were stressed out,” Officer Mailea said.

New England Comic Legend Lenny Clarke will headline the Night of Comedy, and the program will feature Worcester’s own James Dorsey.

“You think about what these officers go through, literally put their lives on the line every day. So, if that’s the least I can do to help out, I’m more than obliged,” Dorsey said.

Also performing, musician Dezi Garcia, the son of Worcester Police Officer Iggy Garcia.

>>>MORE: City honors Worcester officer who died trying to save drowning boy

Money raised from ticket sales and some concessions will be donated to Officer Familia’s family. Officer Mailea said the family is looking forward to Tuesday night.

“They want to laugh with everybody and have some fun - they definitely deserve a night of fun,” Officer Mailea said.

For tickets and other information click here.

1 of 13