Funeral held for NYPD recruit Edgar Ordonez who died during training
LONGWOOD, Bronx (WABC) -- Loved ones gathered Thursday morning for a final goodbye for the NYPD recruit who was just days away from his graduation when he died last week.
Probationary Office Edgar Ordonez, 33, collapsed after suffering a medical condition at a shooting range.
His funeral was attended by Mayor Eric Adams, NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban and hundreds of officers at St. Anselm's in the Bronx.
Adams told Ordonez's family that their son represented the greatness of their home country of Honduras and also the diverse community he was passionate to serve. He loved his job as a father and a new officer -- but the dream was torn away before he was able to fulfill it.
His fellow officers described him as hard-working and motivated to give a better life to his 2-year-old twins.
Ordonez had finished the six-month police academy training and died five days before graduation.
The 32-year-old qualified for everything necessary to fulfill his dream of becoming an NYPD officer and was partaking in what is called and "exertion exercise" at Rodman's neck when he had a fatal medical episode and collapsed.
The training exercise, the NYPD says, is essential to prepare officers for gun fights in which they may have to chase after a suspect. The medical examiner is still determining the official cause of his death.
Ordonez joined the force because he wanted to make a difference. His professional passion was only surpassed by his duty as a father.
"He's one of over 600 recruits in the academy, but when you speak to the recruits who worked with him, they spoke of a man who was dedicated to doing this job," said Commanding Officer Deputy Chief Amir Yakatally. "He was a father first. He wanted to get his kids in a better position. He wanted to make a difference."
He also wanted to improve police community relations. Adams told his family not to remember what happened at the gun range, but to remember his smile.
ALSO READ | Councilwoman accused of biting NYPD officer at Brooklyn homeless shelter protest
----------
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
