Henrietta, N.Y.--Anthony Wallace, a well-known RIT graduate, wrestler and police officer was killed in the line of duty Saturday according to Alaskan authorities.
Wallace and his partner Matt Tokuoka died following a shooting in Hoonah Alaska according to Bob Prunella, acting city administrator for the Village of Hoonah.
Before joining the police force in Alaska in 2008, Wallace starred as an All-American wrestler for RIT.
In 2003, Wallace graduated with a degree in business administration and later joined campus Public Safety according to RIT.
Friends say Wallace, who was hard-of-hearing dreamed of becoming a police officer.
"On behalf of the RIT community, I extend condolences to Tony's family, friends and colleagues. We recognize that his passing creates a void that cannot be filled, but we hope there is comfort in an outpouring of support," said Bill Destler, RIT president.
During a 2009 interview with University News, Wallace described hopes of inspiring others through his success.
"I hope that people who are in the same situation as I am, see my story and begin to believe that if you put your mind to something, you can achieve it," Wallace said. "Anything and everything is possible, it's just a matter of how bad you want it and how far you are willing to go to prove to people that you are worthy of whatever career you want to pursue."
