KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Knoxville Police Department announced Sunday morning that one of its officers died.
"This is a profound loss for our department, one that has shaken us to the core," Scott Erland, KPD communications manager, said.
Officer Wisbens Antoine was a member of the 2023 B Basic Recruit Class. He joined KPD in 2023 as a Public Safety Recruit. He was set to be sworn in officially on Monday, March 4.
The 32-year-old collapsed Friday afternoon after a mile-and-a-half run during a physical training session. It is not known why Antoine collapsed at this time.
"I don't have words to express the magnitude of the grief and sadness that we all are feeling right now," Knoxville Police Chief Paul Noel said. "This is a tragedy for our department and it's a tragedy for our community. This is a tragedy we will all carry with us for the rest of our careers."
KPD staff worked to provide CPR to the officer, as well as use an AED device.
The officer was taken to UT Medical Center where he was admitted into the ICU late Friday evening in critical condition. Members of the command staff, training staff, Antoine's recruit class and many KPD employees were at the hospital by his side since Friday evening, according to KPD.
After finding out about Antoine's illness and how much KPD meant to him, the department honored his life by making him a police officer in the hospital.
"I picked up the phone in the middle of the night, called Judge Caviness... and with the blessing of his wife, with our entire command staff, the mayor, the training academy staff, every one of his classmates, and untold members of the department gathered in his room... and we swore him in as a Knoxville Police officer," Chief Noel said.
According to the chief, Antoine was unable to respond to take the oath, so one of his classmates and fellow recruit, Tristan Simpson, gave the oath for him on his behalf. After swearing Antoine in the department, Simpson placed the badge he would have been issued over his heart as he was lying in the hospital bed, according to the chief.
"In that moment, he became Officer Antoine, not Recruit Antoine," Chief Noel said. "This is the badge that will go with him to his final resting place."
Antoine's condition, according to KPD, started deteriorating late Saturday night into Sunday morning. He passed away around 4 a.m. surrounded by his family.
"Officer Antoine fought like hell and we never lost hope that we get the opportunity to walk across the stage and take that oath for himself," Chief Noel said. "While he'll never get that opportunity to walk across the stage with his class, he earned the right to be called a Knoxville Police Department officer."
Antoine's remains were taken to the Regional Forensic Center with a procession from KPD as well as other law enforcement agencies.
A KPD cruiser has been placed at the front entrance of the Public Safety Complex in honor of Officer Antoine. Community members are invited to leave tributes in recognition of Wisbens’ commitment to serving Knoxville and the department.
Officer Antoine leaves behind a wife and two children.
There is no information on funeral arrangements at this time.
How to Help
KPD said people who would like to help Antoine's family can donate to this GoFundMe page or they can donate to the Knoxville Law Enforcement Federal Credit Union, making checks payable to the Wisbens Antoine Memorial Fund. KPD said people can donate in person at KLEFCU or by mailing a check:
Kendra Antoine
c/o Knoxville Law Enforcement FCU
501 E Summit Hill Dr
Knoxville TN 37915