Endicott College police sergeant remembered as a hero, saved softball coach's life
BEVERLY - Endicott College students and faculty paid their respects Tuesday night to Sgt. Jeremy Cole who was killed in a wrong-way crash on Thanksgiving. They say the campus police officer brought the community together and that's what they wanted to do.
Among those left remembering Sgt. Cole for his bravery is Endicott softball coach Katie Bettencourt. "He is a huge part of why I still have my dad here today," Bettencourt said.
Sgt. Cole remembered as a hero
In April 2021, Katie's dad, an assistant softball coach at the college, collapsed in the middle of practice going into cardiac arrest. Katie and the training staff rushed over to help, but they were not alone.
"We called campus police and J. Cole was there within minutes," Bettencourt said.
Sgt. Cole saved his life and was honored with a lifesaving award from the state.
Katie says it's a terrible tragedy to lose someone who had such a profound impact on her life, but to see the campus come together to honor his life shows the impact he had on so many students and faculty.
"Every facet of the campus just there in support of him and his family," Bettencourt said. "I think that's just a true testament of what he meant to our campus."
The memorial honored a beloved hero who left a profound impact on the community. Students walked through campus holding candles and placed flowers at a memorial.
"He was everything to this school and he was a great representation of what we embody at this campus," said Jake, an Endicott College student.
"I think everyone had some sort of connection with him which I think is what makes this loss so hard, is because he was just someone who everyone knew," said student Amrita Kumar.
Suspect arraigned
On the same day the college honored Sgt Cole's life, Keoma Duarte of New Bedford was charged in his death. From his hospital bed over Zoom, the 40-year-old was arraigned on motor vehicle homicide while operating under the influence of alcohol and other charges.
Prosecutors say Duarte drove the wrong way on I-95 then crashed into Sgt. Cole's SUV in Newbury as the officer went home from work early Thanksgiving morning. A judge ordered Duarte held on $500,000 cash bail once he is out of the hospital.
Sgt. Cole leaves behind a wife and four children. While the heartbreak cuts deep, the Endicott College campus is forever grateful his memory will live on.
"J. Cole was just always kind of that bright light when you walked into the room, he was just always so happy and spread positivity and that's what we've done here today," a student named Jack said.