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Nearly $200,000 has been donated in just two days after a New York police officer was killed by a suspected drunk driver on Saturday morning.
Patricia Espinosa, a 42-year-old officer with the Nassau County Police Department (NCPD), died when a car ran a red light and hit her car on her way to work, the police union said in a social media post. According to reports, the vehicle involved was a large Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck. new york post additional.
Espinoza was born into a family of dedicated law enforcement officers and recently became a mother. She is survived by her husband, fellow employee Francisco Malaga, and their 2-year-old daughter, Mia.
The Nassau County Police Benevolent Association (NCPBA) said the entire police department is mourning the death of 5th Precinct member Espinosa, who they say was taken in a “senseless act.”
In an undated photo, Nassau County Police Department Officer Patricia Espinoza gestures while speaking at a department-related event. (Nassau County PBA)
“The Nassau PBA is devastated by the tragic passing of Officer Patricia Espinosa, a dedicated member of the police force. Nassau County The Police Department dedicated her life to serving others,” the union said Saturday. “Officer Espinoza served with honor, courage and compassion, and her death in a violent crash caused by a driver charged with drunken driving is a tremendous 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 Almeida and David Almeida, who proudly served as police officers – and she leaves behind a two-year-old daughter, Mia, who grew up knowing her mother was a hero.”
According to New York’s Fox 5, officials identified the driver involved as 20-year-old Matthew Smith.
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Officer Patricia Espinoza of the Nassau County Police Department marched in uniform in the parade. (Nassau County PBA)
Smith was charged drunk driving After driving under the influence, he and his passenger, 25-year-old John Andali, were both taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blackman ordered all county flags to be flown at half-staff starting Monday until the officer’s funeral is scheduled for Thursday
“The passing of beloved Fifth Precinct Officer Patricia Espinoza is heartbreaking,” Blackman posted on Facebook Saturday. “I was honored to march with her in the Puerto Rico Day Parade. Condolences to her husband, Officer Francisco Malaga, and her brother, Officer Christian Almeida.”
Officer Patricia Espinoza poses next to a patrol car while on duty. (Nassau County PBA)
Espinosa joins police station She established it in 2017 and is known for her passion and dedication to the community, according to the GoFundMe page.
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The GoFundMe continues that she previously served as a New York State Corrections Officer and later became an NCPD Field Training Officer, mentoring and motivating young officers.
Over the course of her career, Espinoza reportedly received numerous awards and citations in recognition of her dedication to serving her community.
