Fundraiser For Family Of Central Mass Cop Who Died Off Duty Nears Its Goal

The GoFundMe called "Help Support Derrick Leto's Family" has raised nearly $7,000 in less than two days, more than half of its goal of $10,000. 

There is also a memorial fund for the family of the 18-year veteran and former US Marine at the Worcester Police Department Federal Credit Union. Checks can be made to the Worcester Police Officials IBPO Local 504 c/o Sgt. Derrick Leto, according to fundraiser organizers. 

Leto, 42, the department's diversity coordinator and recruiter, died on Friday, March 17. Officials did not release a cause of death, but it happened while he was off duty. 

“Sgt. Leto had a passion for providing youth with opportunities,” Worcester Chief Steven Sargent said in a Facebook post. “He made a difference in our department, city, and community and worked hard to make our visions a reality. Sgt. Leto made great strides in creating unity among the police and community groups and partners. I will be forever grateful for his service to the citizens of Worcester who he deeply cared about. He will be dearly missed… we are heartbroken.”

Several people and community groups posted memorials to Leto after his passing. Many noted his passion for his work and the great lengths he would go to help and inspire others. 

• Related: Worcester Mourns Loss Of 18-Year Police Veteran

A visitation is scheduled from 4 until 7 p.m. on Thursday at the Callahan, Fay & Caswell Life Celebration Home at 61 Myrtle Street in Worcester. A funeral mass will be held Friday at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Parish, 357 Grafton Street. 

Click here for more information on the GoFundMe campaign. 

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