WORCESTER — On Friday, December 15, the basketball court inside the new Doherty Memorial High School was officially dedicated to late Worcester police officer Manny Familia in a ceremony attended by his family, school and city officials, and dozens of officers from the Worcester Police Department.
Familia, a married father of two children, was 38 years old when he died while trying to save three teenagers from drowning in Green Hill Pond in June 2021. Familia was a 2001 graduate of Doherty and a captain on the boys’ basketball team.
The family of Manny Familia stands behind the new court decal, which reads "Enmanuel 'Manny' Familia Court." (Kyle Prudhomme/WPS)
“There is no question that Manny’s mission in life was to serve,” said Mayor Joseph M. Petty. “May this dedication be another act of love in a series of reminders that his memory and the story of his heroism live on.”
“Manny’s time as a varsity player shaped his character and inspired others, just as his selfless sacrifice in 2021 continues to inspire us today,” said Dr. Rachel H. Monárrez, Superintendent of Worcester Public Schools. “It will not only honor his memory but also inspire generations of scholar-athletes to pursue excellence both on and off the court.”
Familia’s older brother, Elvin Familia, launched the Manny 267 Foundation to raise awareness of the dangers of drowning and support community education efforts.
“To me, this is the equivalent to a former Doherty player being inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, but better,” Elvin Familia said. “Manny represents the good of this community and the people. To be here tonight is one of the coolest things I’ve ever been a part of.”
In addition to having the words “Enmanuel ‘Manny’ Familia Court” installed on the basketball court, Familia’s old basketball jersey with the number 11 was presented in a frame. His number 11 has been retired.
The jersey frame is revealed as Manny Familia's #11 jersey is officially retired by Doherty Memorial High School. (Kyle Prudhomme/WPS)
Manny Familia's picture hangs on the Doherty Memorial High School history wall. (Kyle Prudhomme/WPS)
The family of Manny Familia, alongside school and city officials, and officers from the Worcester Police Department, fill the gymnasium of Doherty Memorial High School for the court dedication ceremony. (Kyle Prudhomme/WPS)
The first basketball game is played on Manny Familia Court between Doherty Memorial High School and Tantasqua Regional High School on Friday, December 13, 2024. (Kyle Prudhomme/WPS)