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In a remarkable show of support, nearly $200,000 has been raised within just 48 hours following the tragic death of a New York police officer, who was struck down by an alleged drunk driver on Saturday morning.
Officer Patricia Espinosa, 42, of the Nassau County Police Department (NCPD), lost her life en route to work when a vehicle reportedly ignored a red light and collided with her car, according to a statement by the police union shared on social media. The vehicle involved in the accident was said to be a large Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, as reported by the New York Post.
Espinosa hailed from a family steeped in law enforcement tradition and had recently embraced motherhood. She leaves behind her husband, Francisco Malaga, who is also a fellow officer, and their young daughter, Mia, who is just two years old.
The Nassau County Police Benevolent Association (NCPBA) expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Espinosa, who was part of the Fifth Precinct. They described her untimely death as the result of a “senseless act.”
Officer Patricia Espinosa is seen speaking at a department-related event in an undated photo. (Nassau County PBA)
“The Nassau PBA is devastated by the tragic loss of Police Officer Patricia Espinosa, a dedicated member of the Nassau County Police Department who gave her life in service to others,” the union said Saturday. “Officer Espinosa served with honor, courage, and compassion, and her death in a violent crash caused by a driver charged with DWI is a profound loss to our department, our county, and every community she protected.”
“Officer Espinosa was the heart of a true law-enforcement family — her husband Francisco Malaga, and her two brothers, Christian and David Almeida, all who proudly serve as police officers — and she leaves behind a two-year-old daughter Mia, who will grow up knowing her mother was a hero.”
Officials identified the driver involved as 20-year-old Matthew Smith, Fox 5 New York reported.
Nassau County Police Department Officer Patricia Espinosa marches in uniform during a parade. (Nassau County PBA)
Smith was charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) after he and his passenger, 25-year-old John Andali, were both transported to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman ordered all county flags to be flown at half-staff starting Monday, until the officer’s burial scheduled on Thursday
“Heartbroken over the passing of Police Officer Patricia Espinosa, a beloved member of the Fifth Precinct,” Blakeman said in a Facebook post on Saturday. “I had the honor of marching with her in the Puerto Rican Day parade. Condolences to her husband, Police Officer Francisco Malaga, and her brother, Police Officer Christian Almeida.”
Police officer Patricia Espinosa poses beside a patrol vehicle while on-duty. (Nassau County PBA)
Espinosa joined the police department in 2017 and was known for her warmth and dedication to the community, according to a GoFundMe page.
Previously, she served as a New York State corrections officer and later became NCPD Field Training Officer where she mentored and inspired young cops, the GoFundMe continued.
Throughout her career, Espinosa also reportedly received numerous awards and citations in recognition of her dedication to serving the community.