Nearly $200,000 was raised in two days after Nassau County Police Officer Patricia Espinosa, 42, was killed when another vehicle reportedly ran a red light and struck her car. Espinosa, a new mother, is survived by her husband, Officer Francisco Malaga, and their 2-year-old daughter, Mia. The driver, 20-year-old Matthew Smith, was charged with DWI; both he and a passenger were treated for non-life-threatening injuries. County flags have been ordered at half-staff until her burial on Thursday.
Nearly $200K Raised For Fallen Nassau County Officer Patricia Espinosa After Fatal DWI Crash
Donations surge for fallen NY officer and new mom following tragic death at hands of DWI suspect
Nearly $200,000 was donated in just two days to support the family of Nassau County Police Department Officer Patricia Espinosa after she was killed early Saturday when another vehicle allegedly ran a red light and struck her car while she was driving to work.
Nassau County Police Department Officer Patricia Espinosa gestures while speaking during a department-related event in an undated photo.(Fox News)
Officer Espinosa, 42, a recent first-time mother, is survived by her husband, fellow NCPD officer Francisco Malaga, and their 2-year-old daughter, Mia. She also came from a family of law-enforcement professionals; her brothers Christian and David Almeida serve as police officers.
Nassau County Police Department Officer Patricia Espinosa marches in uniform during a parade.
Authorities have identified the driver as 20-year-old Matthew Smith, who was charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI). Smith and a 25-year-old passenger, identified as John Andali, were transported to a local hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
Police officer Patricia Espinosa poses beside a patrol vehicle while on-duty.
The Nassau County Police Benevolent Association said the department is grieving the "senseless" loss of Officer Espinosa and remembered her as a devoted public servant who served with honor and compassion.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman ordered county flags lowered to half-staff beginning Monday and remaining at half-staff through Espinosa's burial, which has been scheduled for Thursday. Blakeman noted he had marched with Espinosa in the Puerto Rican Day parade and extended his condolences to her family.
Espinosa joined the Nassau County Police Department in 2017. According to a GoFundMe set up on her behalf and statements from colleagues, she previously worked as a New York State corrections officer and later became an NCPD field training officer who mentored newly assigned officers. Public tributes and the fundraiser also noted she received multiple awards and citations for her commitment to community service.
The outpouring of donations reflects broad community support for Espinosa's husband and young daughter as colleagues and neighbors prepare to honor her life and service to the county.
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