Ronald Donat’s aspiration of becoming a police officer faced a critical challenge. At 41 years old, he struggled to remain upright after enduring a series of intense physical exercises commonly known as “Hell Day” among recruits at a suburban Atlanta police academy. “You are dead!” was how a sergeant reprimanded Donat, instructing him to sit on the concrete. This was Donat’s third attempt to secure a position in law enforcement as a Haitian immigrant. Despite his fatigue, he asserted his determination to press on and attempted to join his fellow recruits in a bear crawl—but soon after, he became unresponsive. Tragically, just one hour and forty minutes after training commenced on that fateful October morning in 2021, he was pronounced dead.
Regrettably, Donat is one of at least 29 recruits who have died during basic training at various law enforcement academies across the country over the past decade. An investigation found that many fatalities were linked to extreme physical exertion, with causes like dehydration, heatstroke, and other related conditions emerging, often occurring on the first day of training, as was the case with Donat. Some recruits succumbed weeks into their training, frequently after experiencing trauma from intensive drills or during high-pressure timed runs in scorching temperatures.
The findings from the investigation startled experts and advocates alike, pointing to preventability in many of these deaths. Unlike law enforcement officers who pass away while on duty, there is no comprehensive tracking system for recruits who die during training, leaving a significant gap in monitoring recruit safety. David Jude, a retired police academy commander, expressed his astonishment at the number of fatalities, suggesting that the training environment should never result in any loss of life.
A notable pattern emerged as Black recruits accounted for nearly 60% of the deaths, a figure starkly disproportionate to the 12% representation of Black officers on local police forces. Many of these recruits had sickle cell trait, a genetic condition more prevalent in individuals of African descent, which amplifies the risk of serious injury as a result of strenuous physical activity.
These tragic fatalities constitute a minuscule fraction of the nation’s 800,000 sworn officers, yet they underscore an additional layer of danger in a profession already fraught with risks such as gun violence and vehicle accidents. Alarmingly, the number of deaths has been increasing, particularly since 2020, as police departments have sought to recruit a more diverse range of candidates amid staffing shortages exacerbated by the pandemic and nationwide protests against police misconduct.
In Texas, a recruit fainted shortly after being denied water, while another in Arkansas died during a forced run in oppressive heat. A North Carolina trainee’s body temperature soared to 106 degrees following a strenuous workout devoid of hydration breaks, illustrating a disturbing trend regarding health protocols in police training. Experts have pointed out the necessity of addressing these alarming incidents publicly to spur change within law enforcement agencies.
Despite recommendations from medical professionals about how such tragedies are preventable, they continue to accumulate. In 2024 alone, five recruits have already died as a result of heat-related incidents during their training. Police leaders acknowledge that many of these fatalities could be avoided with greater awareness and improved health protocols, emphasizing the importance of screening for underlying health conditions that place recruits at risk.
Ronald Donat’s journey in law enforcement started with his intense dedication to serve. His wife, Sharline Volcy, revealed that while she initially had reservations due to safety concerns, Donat’s determination never wavered. Both immigrants from Haiti, they built a life in New Jersey and later sought opportunities in Georgia. Donat’s dream was finally turning into reality as he joined the Gwinnett County Police Department Academy, which has been actively working to fill numerous vacancies.
A physician had cleared him for physical training, but didn’t evaluate him for sickle cell trait, despite its potential dangers during high-intensity workouts. Donat engaged wholeheartedly in the exercises, repeatedly pressing himself physically for the sake of his new career. He earned positive affirmations from peers and instructors, yet the lack of screening for health risks persisted.
The issue of sickle cell trait resonates deeply, as up to three million Black individuals in the U.S. carry the trait, which is often unknown among adults. While it generally doesn’t impose daily challenges, it can lead to severe health complications in instances of high exertion and heat. Notably, collegiate and military programs have begun screening to mitigate the associated risks—yet most police academies have not adopted similar protocols, leaving many recruits vulnerable.
An intense first-day workout led to Donat’s untimely demise. While instructors aimed to instill resilience, they often overlooked the risks posed by overly strenuous activities. Despite knowing the potential dangers, an ambulance was not stationed on site, as it was deemed to contribute to a negative perception of safety. Donat, who initially kept pace with his peers, ultimately succumbed during the grueling physical assessment.
Witnessing Donat’s collapse incited an urgent response from paramedics, but the delay in proper medical aid raised questions about the academy’s safety measures. Soon after Donat’s tragic death, Gwinnett County claimed he had been advised to rest, which soon faced skepticism from classmates who were present. An autopsy concluded that he died of natural causes attributed to an enlarged heart; however, it did not note the sickle cell trait.
With ongoing scrutiny surrounding the tragedy, Gwinnett County has since instituted changes, including the requirement of immediate medical personnel during initial training days. Nevertheless, systemic issues remain unaddressed, as occupational safety regulations do not extend protections to many municipal employees, including police recruits.
The families left behind by recruits who died in training often face difficulties regarding recognition and benefits. As many trainees are not sworn officers prior to their passing, they are excluded from national memorials, and their families miss out on crucial death benefits. In light of this, there have been updates to legislation addressing these gaps, aiming to extend federal death benefits to trainees’ families.
While memorials have honored Donat’s memory, his loved ones grapple with the aftermath of his loss and the long-awaited responses from government agencies regarding benefits. Volcy’s frustration encapsulates the heart-wrenching reality of a dream turned tragic, leaving behind a legacy filled with grief rather than the joy that Donat had envisioned for his family. She laments that what was meant to be a fulfilling journey transformed into a harrowing chapter of their lives.
