DEDHAM, Mass. — Massachusetts State Police say a recruit was airlifted to a Boston hospital on March 8th and is still receiving care for a serious illness.
State Police spokesperson David Procopio said Monday that police are now requiring the indoor wearing of N95 masks for all trainees, and every trainee’s temperature and blood oxygen levels will now be monitored daily.
Procopio did not provide specific details on the nature of the recruit’s illness or the name or age of the recruit.
Procopio said State Police Academy drill staff observed the trainee appearing ill during the morning inspection.
The New Braintree academy’s on-site medical unit then sent the recruit by ambulance to UMass Memorial-Harrington Hospital. State Police have contracted with the hospital to provide some medical services.
He was later airlifted to Beth Israel-Deaconess Hospital in Boston, where he is continuing to be treated for his illness.
233 new recruits in the 88th recruit class began the six-month program in late February.
Patrick McNamara, who heads the state police union, said he hopes the trooper will recover and to complete training at the academy.
FULL STATEMENT FROM MA STATE POLICE:
“During morning inspection on Wednesday, March 8, Massachusetts State Police Academy Drill Staff observed that a Trainee in the 88th Recruit Training Troop appeared ill. The Trainee was sent to the on-site Academy Medical Unit and was assessed by a Trooper, who immediately directed that the Trainee be transported by ambulance to UMass Memorial-Harrington Hospital, where he was treated for a serious illness. The Trainee was subsequently transferred, via medical helicopter, to Beth Israel-Deaconess in Boston, where he continues to receive care for his illness,” Dave Procopio, MSP spokesman, said in a statement.
“As with all MSP Recruit Training Troops, comprehensive medical protocols have been in place for the current class, which began in February. These protocols include the Department contracting with UMass Memorial Medical Group for certain medical services. As a result of this Trainee’s illness, the State Police Division of Standards and Training has implemented additional measures beyond the existing protocols, including the indoor wearing of N95 masks for all trainees and daily monitoring and documenting of temperature and blood oxygen levels for every Trainee,” Procopio continued. “Our Department’s overarching priority and concern remains the health of this young man and providing support to his family; our fervent hope is that he experiences a prompt and full recovery.”
FULL STATEMENT FROM THE STATE POLICE ASSOCIATION OF MASSACHUSETTS:
“On behalf of the State Police Association of Massachusetts, we send our thoughts and prayers to the Trainee involved. Our members at the Massachusetts State Police Academy consist of some of the best-trained professionals in the country. We truly hope that their swift medical attention allows this future Trooper to return to the Academy and continue in the program,” said Patrick M. McNamara, President of the State Police Association of Massachusetts.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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