A 32-year-old Knoxville, Tennessee, police recruit died Sunday two days after he collapsed during physical training at the academy.
Tennessee Police Recruit Dies After Collapsing During Physical Training
As recruit Wisben Antoine's conditioned worsened Friday, Chief Paul Noel made the decision to swear him in as a police officer.

Knoxville, Tennessee, police recruit Wisbens Antoine died Sunday after collapsing Friday at the academy. He was sworn in as an officer shortly before his death.
Knoxville PD/Facebook
Officer Wisbens Antoine, a member of the Knoxville PD’s 2023-B Basic Recruit Class experienced a medical emergency and collapsed while exercising after a mile-and-a-half run. The training staff gave him CPR and used an AED on him before he was rushed to the hospital. “He was admitted to ICU late Friday night in critical, life-threatening condition,” police said on Facebook.
As Antoine's conditioned worsened Friday, Chief Paul Noel made the decision to swear him in as a police officer, Knox News reports.
"There was no better way to honor his service and his sacrifice to the department and the community than to make him a police officer at the hospital," Noel said during a press conference.
The police department command and training staff, Antoine's recruit class and Mayor Indya Kincannon were on hand as Knoxville Municipal Judge Tyler Caviness swore Antoine in, Noel said. A fellow recruit took the oath on Antoine's behalf and placed his new badge on his chest, Noel added.
Antoine died early Sunday.
He was supposed to be sworn in as an officer on March 4.
Antoine is survived by his wife and two children.
More Training

Built for Patrol: How One Police Chief Fixed Communication, Boosted Visibility, and Changed the Culture
Patrol work hasn’t changed—but the expectations on officers have. See how one police chief helped officers get the right information at the right time, improve patrol visibility, and strengthen trust without adding complexity or surveillance. This real-world story shows how patrol-driven technology can make the job safer, smarter, and more effective—starting on day one.
Read More →Why Attend the DroneSense Innovation Summit by Versaterm?
Let’s hear from Ryan Bracken, head of product, about why your agency should send someone to the first annual DroneSense Innovation Summit by Versaterm in April.
Read More →
Caswell Live Fire Spins Off from InVeris
Caswell Live Fire has spun off from parent company InVeris, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of Caswell’s founding. Over the past 100 years, Caswell has developed pioneering solutions that support military, law enforcement, and commercial clients worldwide.
Read More →When Do You Transport a Wounded Officer Instead of Waiting for EMS?
Thumbnail for video series POLICE Topics, Tactics & Tips with a yellow headline that reads When Do You Transport a Wounded Officer Instead of Waiting for EMS?
Read More →How to Pick Your High-Risk Stop Location for Tactical Advantage
Hear veteran trainer Mike Willis, of the United States Deputy Sheriff’s Association, explain several considerations that can help you wisely pick your best spot to initiate high-risk or felony traffic stops.
Read More →Coffee Break with Police Experts: Using Your Patrol Vehicle for Cover
In this video, hear from Dustin Mowery, a product specialist at Team Wendy, as he discusses how to best use a patrol vehicle for cover.
Read More →
Preventing Blue-on-Blue Shootings
In this video, Mike Willis, law enforcement national training and program director, United States Deputy Sheriff’s Association, discusses how to prevent blue-on-blue shootings.
Read More →
What Officers Should Have in Their IFAK
Sydney Vail, M.D., explains what officers should carry in their IFAKs, the importance of carrying two tourniquets, and the necessity of locating medical gear in a location that can be easily accessed with either hand.
Read More →
How to Get Free Active Threat Response Training
Learn how your agency can get free active threat response training. Mike Willis, of the United States Deputy Sheriff’s Association, details what the program teaches and explains other available free training programs.
Read More →Officer Communication When Searching for a Suspect
In this video, Mike Willis, of the United States Deputy Sheriff’s Association, discusses how officers should communicate while searching for a suspect, whether inside, outside, or in a rural area.
Read More →