WORCESTER, Mass. - What started as a rendering is now a reality.

The “Manny Tube,” developed following the drowning of Worcester police officer Manny Familia, will be in every police cruiser in the city.

“It’s a flotation device that makes water rescue possible,” Elvin Familia, Manny’s brother, said at a press conference Tuesday. 

What You Need To Know

  • The 'Manny Tube' will be in every Worcester Police cruiser
  • The tube was developed following the drowning of Worcester Police Officer Enmanuel Familia, who died while trying to save 14-year-old Troy Love from Green Hill Pond last June
  • All Worcester Police officers will undergo water rescue training with the tube
  • The foundation hopes to provide the 'Manny Tube' to police vehicles across the entire country.

Manny Familia’s signature is on the life-saving tool. It’s a tribute to a hero gone too soon.

“Like the foundation, Manny was always eager to lend a hand to those in need,” Chief Steven Sargent said. “He never sought praise or recognition. He only wanted to help his community,”

The Manny 267 Foundation created the tube, and officers will use it at aquatic emergencies.

Financial help from UMass Chan Medical School helped make Tuesday’s donation possible.

“Today’s donation by our medical school ensures that Officer Familia’s legacy lives on,” said Michael Collins, the school’s Chancellor.

The bright yellow tube was designed so first responders and drowning victims can spot it easily in the water. It can support up to five people at once, and fits comfortably inside all police vehicles.

“Drowning is not like what we see in the movies and on the big screen,” Elvin Familia said. “Drowning is quiet and quick, and does not care who you are, where you come from, whether you’re rich or poor, or what nationality you are.”

It’s a tool Elvin wished he never had to make. The hope is it prevents another family from experiencing what he did last June.

“It was only right for us to do something,” Elvin said. “Saying thank you wasn’t enough. We needed to take action and make sure that this, we do our part for this tragedy not to ever happen again.”