The Associated Press
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- Friends, family members, police officers and community leaders honored a black officer who was shot four years ago by two white patrolmen.
Sgt. Cornel Young Jr., 29, was off-duty and in plain clothes on Jan. 28, 2000 when he emerged from Fidas Restaurant with his gun drawn to help break up a fight. Young was mistaken for a suspect and fatally shot by two white patrolmen.
Young’s father, retired Providence police Maj. Cornel Young Sr., was among the 40 people at Wednesday’s vigil outside Fidas Restaurant.
He said he’s seen positive changes in the department since his son’s death, including a new system of training rookies on the street under the guidance of experienced officers.
“That’s one reason I stayed. I stayed until I saw positive change,” said Young, who retired in December after 29 years with the department. “I can leave now knowing that the department is on the right path.”
Mayor David Cicilline said the positive changes include a community-policing program and a new diverse class of police trainees.
But state Rep. Joseph Almeida, D-Providence, said hiring minorities isn’t enough. He supports a bill that would create a statewide police academy to train recruits for all departments.
Cornel Young Jr.'s mother, Leisa Young, also attended the vigil. She had filed a lawsuit attempting to hold the police department responsible for her son’s death. A federal judge dismissed it last year.