Nassau County police officer Patricia Espinosa, a member of the Fifth Precinct and a nine-year veteran of the force, died the morning of Jan. 31 after a traffic accident in Saint James. She was 42.
“Nassau County PD’s Fifth Precinct, which covers many parts of Legislative District 3, lost a hero with the passing of Police Officer Patricia Espinosa,” County Legislator Carrié Solages said in a statement. “She served with diligence, valor, professionalism and honor. I’ve worked with her in the community, and she was an amazing person who was always ready to make a positive impact. May she rest in peace and in power — let’s show respect and honor to these individuals who truly help our communities every day.”
The crash occurred just after 6 a.m. on Route 347 at Alexander Avenue. Police said Espinosa was driving a 2019 Alfa Romeo when a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado struck her vehicle. Authorities reported that the Silverado was traveling north when it allegedly ran a red light. Espinosa was taken to Stony Brook Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Suffolk County police arrested Matthew Smith, 20, of Hauppauge, and charged him with driving while intoxicated. Smith and his 25-year-old passenger survived the crash and were taken to Stony Brook Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Espinosa previously served as a New York State Corrections Officer before joining the NCPD. After completing the police academy, she was selected as a field training officer, responsible for mentoring new recruits in departmental procedures and tactics. She was assigned to post 505 in the North Elmont area.
She participated in the NCPD Mentoring Initiative, working with young residents. Espinosa was entering her fifth year as Sergeant-At-Arms for the Nassau County Police Hispanic Society, a position focused on fostering communication between the department and the community.
She is survived by her husband, Francisco Malaga, and her 2-year-old daughter, Mia. She was part of a law enforcement family; her husband and her two brothers, Christian and David Almeida, also serve as police officers.
“Heartbroken over the passing of Police Officer Patricia Espinosa, a beloved member of the Fifth Precinct,” Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said in a statement. “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. I am ordering flags to be flown at half-staff from Monday until burial.”
Visitation was held Feb. 4 at St. James Funeral Home from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. On the morning of Jan. 5, the NCPD said its final goodbyes to Espinosa with full honors. A funeral Mass was held Jan. 5 at 10:20 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in Smithtown.
To donate to the GoFundMe to support her family during this time, visit gofundme.com/f/honoring-officer-patricia-espinosas-legacy.
