Sheriff's recruit dies during physical training

HAVERHILL, Mass. (AP) - A recruit with a Massachusetts sheriff’s department has died unexpectedly during physical fitness exercises, authorities said Wednesday.

Anish Khalifa, 29, of Woburn, died Tuesday while training at Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill, Essex County Sheriff Kevin Coppinger said in a statement.

Khalifa started the 12-week training program in April and has served as a reserve officer with the Woburn Police Department since March 2019, Coppinger said.

Recruits undergo a rigorous medical and physical fitness evaluation prior to the start of training, the sheriff said.

“Our hearts are heavy with the unexpected passing of this fine young man,” Coppinger said. “Our training officers were with him at the time and immediately began to perform CPR and other life-saving measures, but tragically were unable to revive him. Our hearts and prayers are with his family during this very difficult time.”

Sheriffs oversee the county jails.