Procession for 32-year-old LAPD officer who died after suffering spinal injury during training
LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A procession was held Friday for a Los Angeles police officer who died following a training accident at LAPD's Elysian Park Academy last week.
Houston Tipping, 32, a five-year veteran of the force who served as a bike instructor in the Devonshire area, was injured during a training exercise involving grappling with another officer, according to LAPD.
Officer Tipping fell to the floor and suffered a "catastrophic spinal injury," officials said.
Officers immediately began CPR, and Tipping was taken to USC Medical Center, but he succumbed to his injuries on Sunday.
In a statement, LAPD Chief Michel Moore said:
"The Department is fully investigating the accident in an effort to identify if any additional measures can be taken to ensure such a tragedy is avoided in the future...We grieve this tragic loss. I am proud of Officer Tipping's training classmates that immediately sprang into action, initiating CPR and other life saving measures as well as the work of the L.A. Fire Department.
"I'm also grateful for Dr. Kenji Inaba and the incredible medical staff at Los Angeles County USC Medical Center for doing everything they could to save him."
Shortly before Friday's procession began, the LAPD graduated a whole new class officers at the academy, where Officer Tipping was remembered by Mayor Eric Garcetti and Chief Michel Moore.
"It's devastating... It shows the perils of this profession, the challenges of this profession...This loss reminds us that those dangers are on many fronts," Moore said.
Tipping is survived by his parents Richard and Shirley, and girlfriend Britney. While funeral plans are still being ironed out, Moore said it would likely be slated for Wednesday, June 22.
A GoFundMe page has been established to help Tipping's family and girlfriend.
