The Manny Familia Scholarship

In September 2012, The Massachusetts Latino Police Officer’s Association (MLPO) was founded with the purpose to provide support, advocacy, and both individual and professional development to its members; to improve and increase diversity in law enforcement, and to bridge the gap between the community and the police. In short, we want to honor service, promote leadership, and protect our communities.

Within the confines of this mission, in the fall of 2014 a scholarship was formed with the purpose of assisting an aspiring Latino/a in achieving their goals of attending an Accredited two or four year institution of higher education; or to attend a Massachusetts Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) approved Recruit Officers Course as a self-sponsored student officer. 

Manny’s Heroic Story

Worcester Police Officer Emmanuel “Manny” Familia, passed away on June 4 2021, after injuries sustained while heroically trying to save a young boy from drowning. Manny was only 38 years old. But had already accomplish so much in his, short career with the Worcester Police Department. He was a member of the Tactical Patrol Force, the Crisis Intervention Team, a Crisis Negotiator, and a Department Recruitment Officer. Officer Familia was in training to become a member of the SWAT Team.

About Manny

Enmanuel “Manny” Familia was born in La Vega, Dominican Republic on February 23, 1983. He came to Worcester as a young boy and graduated from Doherty memorial High School, Class of 2001. He attended Quinsigamond Community College and was pursuing a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at Anna Maria College. Manny served as a Police Officer for the City of Worcester for the past 5 years. He was a member of Class 01-16.

Manny was a devoted member of the Worcester Community. He represented the WPD in various charity events. Manny was the basketball coach for St. Peter’s Church. He also loved watching his son play baseball. He also enjoyed vacationing in Florida and going to the beach with his family.

Manny was a dedicated family man, he married his high school sweetheart Jennifer; they shared two children, son Jovan and daughter Jayla. Beloved son of Augustin & Bienvenida. Brother to Elvin & Eric and Sister Jessica.

Requirements

Applicants Must:

  • Be a resident of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
  • Have received a high school diploma or its equivalent
  • Demonstrate community involvement
  • Be able to meet the entrance requirements for an accredited 2 or 4-year institution of higher education (if the scholarship is for college). If being used for college, the applicant must be a member in good standing or the dependent of a member in good standing with a minimum of a 3.00 GPA and is pursuing a baccalaureate degree in criminal justice, sociology, psychology, social work, or other approved program to be used upon graduation to build and further service within the community.
  • Or be able to meet the entrance requirements set forth by the Massachusetts Municipal Training Committee (MPTC).
  • Be at least 21 years of age
  • Possess a valid Massachusetts driver’s license
  • Have no felony convictions
  • Pass a medical exam based on HRD requirements
  • Pass the Physical Abilities Test (PAT)
  • Pass a background investigation
  • Application Process
Application Process (NOTE: We are Not Accepting Applications at this Time)

Applicant must submit a package consisting of:

  • A 500-word personal essay explaining why the applicant wants to pursue a career in criminal justice.
  • A resume (highlighting extracurricular activities and community involvement)
  • Two letters of reference from a teacher/guidance counselor for college use; or one letter of reference from a supervisor and one letter of reference from a personal reference.
  • A copy of the college/university or police academy acceptance letter
  • Certified copy/copies of transcripts or copy of GED
  • Submit a completed MLPO background investigation packet and release form

Once the application package has been submitted, it will be reviewed by the scholarship committee. Applications that are for college use must be received by no later than May 15th of each year. Scholarship recipients will be notified by June 30th. Applications that are for academy use will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will be dependent on Academy selection. All application packages must be submitted via email to mlposcholarship@masslatinopolice.org.

*Disclaimer: Awarding of this scholarship and successful completion of the applicant’s course of study does not guarantee employment in the criminal justice or law enforcement field.

We Are Currently Not Accepting Applications at This Time!