An Arkansas policeman who had only recently joined the Jonesboro police force died during training exercises last weekend, just one month into his new job, officials say.

Local station KAIT reports Vincent Parks, 38, and his fellow recruit classmates began their course work at the Central Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy located at Camp Robinson in North Little Rock. He had completed several weeks of in-house instructional training in June.

But on Sunday (July 17), Parks showed signs of “medical distress” during the exercises. An ambulance was called and instructors administered oxygen to him until they arrived.

“Parks was able to walk to an ambulance that had been summoned but was stricken by cardiac arrest almost immediately upon entering the ambulance,” the Arkansas State Police said in a statement. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital. His body was to be transported to the Arkansas State Crime Lab to determine the cause of death.

“For our department it’s a loss, for the community it’s a loss,” Jonesboro Police Chief Rick Elliott told KAIT. “You know we had a man that was dedicated and would’ve been a fine officer.”

According to an online obituary, Parks was a Joneboro native, graduated from Kirby High School in Memphis and had briefly attended Arkansas State University. Before he joined the police department, he had worked for Cracker Barrel for 14 years. He is survived by his wife Christina, a daughter, his sister, his grandmother and a brother and sister-in-law.

“In a day and time where so few are willing step-up to be among those who protect and serve our communities, it seems unjust that a man like Officer Parks, who was prepared to sacrifice for his community, be taken from his calling,” said Jami Cook, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Public Safety. “We are saddened and grieve for him, his family, and fellow officers, yet we know his life was not in vain. He answered the call.”

Parks will be given an honors funeral ceremony provided by the Jonesboro Police Department’s Honor Guard, according to KAIT.