WORCESTER, Mass. - A memorial by Green Hill Pond is growing as people remember Worcester Police Officer Manny Familia and a 14-year-old boy who drowned Friday. Familia, a five-year veteran of the department, was trying to save the boy. 

Jerome Lee brought candles to remember Familia. They two played basketball together at Doherty High School.

“He was a very good guy,” Jerome Lee said. “A funny guy. Athletic, smart. Played basketball, baseball. Very good basketball player left it all on the court.”

Adriana Colon and her two boys brought flowers. They didn’t know the victims, but Colon says Familia is someone for her boys to look up to.  

“It’s important for me to teach my children what a hero is,” Adriana Colon said. “As a parent to hear that he had children. It just really effected me.”

Familia leaves behind a wife and two children. Jodi Rich coached Familia’s son, Jovan, in little league. 

“Manny was one of those always had hug to give, always had a smile on his face," Jodi Rich said. “Loved all the kids. Just a really good family guy who put his daughter and son first.” 

Manny’s friends say he often put others first and they’re not surprised he jumped in the water. 

“A hundred percent selfless," said Rich. 

“To try to save somebody you don’t know is just a hero," Jerome Lee, played basketball with Officer Familia, said.

The hero is being remembered by the city he loved and across the state, with flags flying at half-staff.