In the span of just 48 hours, donations have surged to nearly $200,000 following the tragic death of a New York police officer, who was struck by an alleged drunk driver on Saturday morning.
Officer Patricia Espinosa, aged 42, from the Nassau County Police Department (NCPD), was en route to her job when a vehicle reportedly ignored a red light and collided with her car, according to the police union’s social media statements. The incident involved a large Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, as reported by the New York Post.
Espinosa hailed from a family with deep-rooted ties to law enforcement and had recently embraced motherhood. She leaves behind her husband, Francisco Malaga, who is also in the police force, and their young daughter, 2-year-old Mia.
The Nassau County Police Benevolent Association (NCPBA) expressed that the entire force is in deep sorrow over the loss of Espinosa, who served in the Fifth Precinct. Her death, described as a “senseless act,” has left a profound impact.
Officer Patricia Espinosa is seen speaking at a department event in an undated photo. (Nassau County PBA)
“The Nassau PBA is heartbroken over the tragic passing of Police Officer Patricia Espinosa, a valued member of the Nassau County Police Department who dedicated her life to serving others,” the union stated on Saturday. “Officer Espinosa’s service was marked by honor, bravery, and empathy, and her loss, resulting from a violent crash caused by a driver charged with DWI, is a significant blow to our department, county, and all the communities she served.”
“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.
