Manny Familia, a police officer who died trying to save a drowning teenager in Worcester, is remembered in a new street mural.
Just a week after he died trying to rescue a drowning teenager, a fallen police officer has been memorialized in a mural in Worcester, Massachusetts.
From the iconic yellow smiley face of Worcester's own Harvey Ball to a social justice mural painted by kids with the Boys and Girls Club, local artists have turned tired and worn-down buildings into a city canvas of sorts.
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Over the past five years, more than 100 murals have covered eye sores, spruced up bland buildings and beautified the city of Worcester in what amounts to a modern-day renaissance project.
"I think it makes it look better," said Jose Ramos of Worcester. "Instead of the graffiti that was before, it's art."
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It's also a way for the city to pay permanent tribute to its heroes – like Worcester's fallen firefighters, and now, police officer Manny Familia, who died last Friday after going into the water at Green Hill Park. Familia was trying to rescue 14-year-old Troy Love, who also died in the incident.
"The more and more you hear about him, the more and more you like him," said local artist Ferdinand Nazario.
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Nazario felt compelled to honor Familia in his signature comic book style – getting permission from Gala Foods to paint the wall and then working feverishly to get it done in a day and a half, in time for Familia's family to admire it following his funeral.
"It means a lot to a lot of people, and I guess that is the only real reason why I did that," said Nazario.
Members of the community have been admiring the touching tribute since it went up.
"It's someone with a pure heart who really cares, and to share his talent in such a meaningful way is so moving and such a gift to the city," said Judy Mancini of Worcester.
"They see this, and it inspires them, for the story – the background story and the art, so I think it's inspiration in both ways," said Angel Lopez of Worcester.
"Five years an officer, but a hero forever," Nazario wrote in the upper corner.
