Knoxville police recruit Wisbens Antoine joined friends to cater authentic Haitian dishes

In early February, four friends who had each immigrated from Haiti to Knoxville decided to take their authentic Caribbean catering business, Taste of the Island, to the next level. They got professional photos made and announced they could take on more customers.

Three weeks later, one of the four men, Wisbens Antoine, suddenly collapsed at a training for Knoxville Police Department recruits and died Feb. 25. He was sworn into the force at the hospital before his death.

To his friends and family, Antoine was known as "Chacado."

His business partners — Colby Dorcely, Edrich Volny and Edson Volny — are grieving the shocking loss. When he first heard about Antoine's death, Dorcely thought Taste of the Island could not continue without him.

But when he thought about who his friend was, he realized the company needed to push through.

"If Chacado were still here, he would have wanted us to continue on because he was that guy," Dorcely told Knox News. "No matter how many setbacks he got, no matter how many times he fell down, he would always get back up. He was one of the most resilient people I knew."

Dorcely said Antoine was a "big teddy bear," a compassionate and giving person who would take hours out of his day to drive friends across the county or give them wise business and real estate advice. He was a loving husband and father to two young daughters.

"I would like him to be remembered for the person he was. He was a nice, genuine individual who sought to make a positive impact on the world," Edrich Volny said.

All four men had immigrated to Knoxville in the years following the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti, which flattened the capital Port-au-Prince and killed more than 200,000 people.

As more people moved to Knoxville fleeing political unrest and violence in Haiti, the quartet decided to start a catering company in a city with no Haitian restaurant. Their mission was to bring Haitians together, introduce Knoxville to authentic Caribbean cuisine and create job opportunities.

There are many ways to support Antoine's family, like a GoFundMe page and a memorial fund at the Knoxville Law Enforcement Federal Credit Union. But another way is to visit tasteoftheislandtn.com, to see the food Antoine helped bring to Knoxville and to try some for yourself.

Taste of the Island brings flavors of Haiti

Antoine had great influence over the menu at Taste of the Island, which is full of stews served with rice and beans, plantains and salads.

Haitian names are printed next to their English translation. For instance, "kabrit" is stewed goat served with rice and beans, plantains and "pikliz," a spicy Haitian slaw. There is also "diri djondjon," a staple savory black rice with lima beans.

"We choose our recipes based on the food that we enjoy and we take pride in ensuring that each meal we prepare is not just flavorful, but also perfectly aligned with our individual taste, creating a dining experience that is both satisfying and memorable," Volny said.

Taste of the Island caters to weddings, corporate events and parties. Though the team is taking a step back to mourn the loss of their business partner, they hope to serve their food again soon.

Knoxville honors fallen police officer

Antoine, 32, was a member of the 2023 recruit class and was set to be sworn in March 4.

After he suddenly collapsed at a Feb. 23 training session, Police Chief Paul Noel and Knoxville Municipal Judge Tyler Caviness swore him into the force from his hospital bed.

Those who wish to donate money to the Antoine family can write a check payable to the Wisbens Antoine Memorial Fund at the Knoxville Law Enforcement Federal Credit Union at 501 E. Summit Hill Drive.

There is an online GoFundMe started by family friend Jenn Shelton. The page has raised more than $30,000, with a goal of $45,000.

Celebration of life set for Wisbens Antoine

A celebration of life service will be at 11 a.m. March 2 at First Apostolic Church of Knoxville, 5020 Pleasant Ridge Road, where Antoine was a member. The service will be streamed at youtube.com/facknoxville.

A burial with police honors at Lynnhurst Cemetery will follow. Officers will lead a procession from the church to the cemetery, traveling north on Pleasant Ridge Road and turning east onto Merchant Drive. The procession will continue on Merchant until it turns into Cedar Lane, then south on Inskip Road and back east on Adair Drive before turning into Lynnhurst Cemetery.

Community members are invited to line the road.

Antoine's faith has been a rock for his friends and family as they grieve, including his partners at Taste of the Island.

"He was a man who truly believed in God, who was hopeful. Because of that, of course, although we mourn, we grieve the loss of our friend, but we are certain that he is with the Lord," Dorcely said. "That remains our source of comfort."

Daniel Dassow is a growth and development reporter focused on technology and energy. Phone 423-637-0878. Email daniel.dassow@knoxnews.com.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Knoxville police recruit Wisbens Antoine remembered by Haitian friends