Community Rallies for Family of Slain Officer

Numerous pizzerias across Long Island have banded together to raise almost $200,000 for the family of a police officer tragically killed by a suspected drunk driver.

According to Alyssa Guidice, the founder of LI Pizza Strong, “This fundraiser is one of the easiest to get involved in,” she noted, adding, “Still, the impact was incredible.”

On January 31, a 20-year-old drunk driver named Matthew Smith ran a red light, colliding with the vehicle of Patricia Espinosa, a 42-year-old officer, near the Smith Haven Mall in Suffolk County.

Espinosa’s husband, Francisco Malaga, also an officer with the Nassau County Police Department, was one of the first responders, unaware that it was his wife involved in the accident.

She was on her way to work after leaving her family’s home in Smithtown when the tragic incident occurred.

Nassau Police Chief Patrick Ryder mentioned that Espinosa’s family currently cannot access her police pension because she was technically off duty at the time of her death. “Thirty-five minutes later she was at work and would have received severance pay if the accident had happened later,” he explained.

LI Pizza Strong, which previously organized support for other local tragedies, pledged to donate $5 for every pizza sold to assist Espinosa’s family on February 25. The fundraising effort, led by Anthony Laurino of Phil’s Pizza in Syosset and Jim Serpico, the executive producer and baker, resulted in the largest involvement from local restaurants and diners for this cause.

On that Wednesday, 311 pizzerias sold a staggering 33,233 pizzas, with Laurino commenting, “It was non-stop all day,” even estimating that he consumed about four times his usual amount.

“Everyone said they came to support the cause; some even returned days later to donate,” he added.

On Friday morning, Malaga received a check for $188,000 at the Nassau PBA headquarters, designated for their 2-year-old daughter Mia’s college fund. A separate GoFundMe campaign has raised nearly $314,000 since Espinosa’s death.

“The money raised from all walks of life and various fundraisers is phenomenal. It shows the good in society,” Ryder remarked.

Espinosa, who immigrated from Ecuador at 21, learned English and became well-regarded in her community. She participated in initiatives like prom dress drives while serving in the 5th Precinct in Elmont.

“She was…a rising star in this business,” Ryder expressed, highlighting her ability to connect with the community. “The way she treated people endeared her to every man and woman she worked with.”

Matthew Smith has been charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, DUI, and aggravated vehicular assault, and he awaits trial.