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Veteran Cleveland officer passes away after collapsing during training exercise

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A veteran Cleveland police officer has died after passing out during a training exercise on Monday. 

According to Cleveland Police Patrolmen's Association president Jeff Folmer, officer Vu Nguyen collapsed during K-9 testing.

RELATED: Boys open lemonade stand to help the family of a Cleveland police officer who died suddenly

Cleveland police Sergeant Jennifer Ciaccia provided the following statement:

A Message from the Family of Patrol Officer Vu Nguyen and the Cleveland Division of Police 

 

On Monday, July 2, 2018, Patrol Officer Vu Nguyen suffered a medical emergency while participating in a physical agility assessment for a position within the Canine Unit. Officer Nguyen, a 25 year law enforcement veteran, was rushed to MetroHealth Medical Center and on Thursday, July 5, 2018, Officer Nguyen was transferred to the Cleveland Clinic for further treatment, where he was placed on life support. 

 

The outpouring of support from the Cleveland community and beyond has been truly amazing and greatly appreciated. Patrol Officer Vu Nguyen is greatly loved by his family and by his brothers and sisters in blue. 

 

Tonight, our hearts are broken as we ask for your prayers for this hero who has passed away, leaving behind his wife, two daughters, an extensive family and countless friends. We respectfully ask that the family's wishes for privacy are respected and hope that you all know that we feel your love and support. 

In 2015, Nguyen was hailed as a hero after he and officer Mark Worsencroft saved the life of a baby.

The two officers were on patrol near Pershing and Broadway avenues when a car pulled up and a woman stepped out with an infant. "My baby isn't breathing, I need help," she yelled. The officers revived the child with CPR.

Authorities have not said what caused Nguyen to collapse.