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July 10, 2024, 7:58 PM

NYPD recruit, 33, dies following ‘medical episode’ while training in Bronx on Wednesday

By Scott Axelrod

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A 33-year-old NYPD probationary officer died during training exercises in the Bronx on Wednesday.

Edgar Ordonez, who was set to graduate from the Police Academy on Monday, suffered a medical episode around 11:25 a.m. according to multiple reports.

He was rushed from Rodman’s Neck — the site of an NYPD shooting range — to Jacobi Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, the Daily News reported.

“Our brother Police Officer Edgar Ordonez was a beacon of joy and positive energy for his fellow recruits,’' said Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry in a prepared statement. “He had the drive and determination necessary to become a New York City police officer, and he was just days away from hitting the streets and making a difference in protecting our city.

“From the moment a police officer is sworn into the Police Academy, they become part of our Blue Family. Now we must focus on being there for his family as they deal with this unimaginable loss,” he added.

A law enforcement source told NBC News that Ordonez, was on an “exertion course” when he became lightheaded and passed out. It is unknown if heat played a factor, the report said.

“Our hearts are heavy as we honor our fallen brother, Probationary Police Officer Edgar Ordonez,” NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. “We tragically lost Edgar earlier today, just a few days before he was set to graduate and join his fellow Finest protecting New York City. As we continue to grieve this terrible loss, we will keep Edgar’s family, friends, and fellow officers in our thoughts and prayers.”