On Tuesday morning, a police trainee collapsed and died after a physical training session in St. Elizabeth.
The deceased, whose identity was initially withheld until his family was notified, has since been identified as Desmond Thompson. Thompson was training at the Tranquility Bay Campus of the National Police College of Jamaica.
Reports state that Thompson finished his training session at the campus and collapsed while he was returning to his barracks at approximately 7:30 a.m. The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) disclosed that the 35-year-old received cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) from medical personnel who were located at the campus and responded immediately.
He was later transported to the Black River Hospital for further treatment. Despite the immediate intervention of medical personnel at the scene, the JCF said that the trainee was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Following Thompson’s death, the High Command of the JCF extended their condolences to his friends and family.
“The High Command extends sincere condolences to the trainee’s family, colleagues, and the NPCJ community. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.”
Thompson, a former district constable who was training to be a constable, also reportedly served as a driver to the Chief Chaplain. What caused the trainee’s death is currently under investigation.
