Fla. Police Recruit Dies after Medical Issue on 1st Day of Training

A police recruit training at Lake Technical College died Monday after suffering a medical emergency while his class took part in an exercise session.

Morlon Jenkins Jr., 42, was undergoing the first night of training for the Florida Law Enforcement Academy program at the college’s Institute of Public Safety campus in Tavares when he needed medical assistance around 7:15 p.m., according to Tavares police. He was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead later that night.

Neither the police nor a school official answered questions about the nature of the medical emergency Jenkins suffered.

Melissa Stephan, the school official, said Jenkins’ class was taking part in the program’s physical training component, which is required by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. But she said she could not confirm that Jenkins was actively participating in the physical exercises when he had the emergency. She also said Jenkins had the required medical clearance from a physician needed to participate in the program.

“This is a very sad day for all involved,” Stephan said in an emailed statement. “Our sincerest sympathies are with his family, friends, and loved ones today.”

Tavares police said detectives are working with the local medical examiner to determine Jenkins’ cause of death. The investigation is ongoing.

The law enforcement academy lasts for about 19 weeks, according to the college’s website, and its physical fitness component is “extremely important” as it helps prepare recruits for the physical aspects of police work.

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