A Georgia State Patrol cadet who dreamed of becoming a state trooper died last week while training for the job, a report said.
Cadet Patrick Dupree, 36, collapsed after conducting a drill with fellow cadets at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center on Thursday, Fox5 Atlanta reported, citing the Georgia Department of Public Safety.
Dupree, a married father of three, reportedly suffered a medical emergency and was rushed to a nearby hospital but could not be saved.
His wife, Shanna Dupree, told Fox5 that her husband spent his last breath doing what he loved and if he were still alive he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Last month he said to me, ‘When I go out, I want to do what I love,'” she said. “He was at this trooper training, doing what he loved, striving for his goals. I am proud of him.”
According to his family, Dupree hoped to complete trooper training and eventually work in the aviation unit.
Dupree was no newcomer to law enforcement, having served for local cities for several years. Facebook/ City of Eucharlee
According to Fox5, he began his law enforcement career with the Cave Spring Police Department and then joined the Eucharlee Police Department for six years.
Before serving as an officer, Dupree played semi-pro football after excelling on his high school team. He continued playing the game after accepting responsibility for the badge.
“He said enforcement reminds me of a football team, he said that,” said Shanna Dupree. “He felt like if we’re a team, we have to go out and help and save the community.”
The father loved his family very much and was always there for his daughter and two sons, she added.
Dupree leaves behind three daughters and his wife ShannaGeorgia Bureau of Investigation/
“He was an honorable, admirable, inspiring, motivating man, very caring. He made you feel safe and secure,” said Shanna Dupree.
Her daughter said she knows her father wants them all to stay strong and use their faith as guides through the dark times.
“It’s not a loss, it’s a win because God got him right now,” Taliah Hayes told Fox5.
