LI Police Officer Who Died Of Coronavirus Honored With Motorcade

MINEOLA, NY — Hundreds of police officers across Long Island honored a Sands Point police officer who died last week after becoming infected with the new coronavirus.

Sgt. Joseph Spinosa, 52, a 19-year veteran of the Sands Point Police Department, died in the line of duty Wednesday due to the COVID-19 disease, the department's police chief said.

On Sunday, the Nassau County Police Department honored Spinosa outside NYU Winthrop Hospital in Mineola, with Commissioner Patrick Ryder and Nassau County Executive Laura Curran joining hundreds of police officers from the NCPD, Sands Point and other departments for a final salute and line-of-duty service.

"Our thoughts are with the Spinosa family and the Sands Point Police Department during this difficult time," Nassau County police wrote in a Facebook post. "Rest In Peace, Sgt. Spinosa, and thank you for your service."

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These times are surely difficult and hasn’t been without anxiety. But a very important quote I’ve been sharing a lot is, “fear can be in the car but it can’t drive.” . It is possible to be positive and believe better days are coming without denying caution and vigilance. I think sometimes when we are in a place of despair, we want to share those emotions and have others feel it with us (so valid!) . Feelings of positivity and a sense of hope are valid too. I know we are so surrounded by media both news and social that encourages a constant edge and anxiety. That famous word “balance” comes in AS USUAL . Through all of this I have been amazed by the generosity of others and their kindness. I appreciate each person who has shown me and my coworkers so much love and support. . Overall, I am more than okay. I count every blessing I have including my youth, my good state of health and the health of my family, the resources I have, my ability to still work while so many have lost jobs. The trauma I have witnessed in the last few weeks has been surreal. But I know I have the strength to get through and absolutely extraordinary coworkers to work alongside. I see light on the horizon and I know it’s coming. . This was a beautiful display by the @albertsonfire department thanks for the support you showed us, it really brought smiles to so many faces . #covidkindness
A post shared by Lauren Victoria (@laurencuscus) on Apr 19, 2020 at 4:49pm PDT

Video taken at the service by News 12 Long Island showed two fire engines holding an American Flag over a street as dozens of first responders lined up underneath to give a final salute and farewell to Spinosa. A procession of vehicles, including Port Washington police units, then slowly drove off, taking his body from the hospital where he died to his Hicksville home and then to Vernon C. Wagner Funeral Homes where he will be interred.

A second motorcade on Tuesday will take Spinosa’s body to a cemetery in Duchess County for a private ceremony, Newsday reported.

Sands Point Chief Thomas Ruehle told Newsday Spinosa deserved the send-off.

"He deserves all this," Ruehle said before the motorcade. "It is a really surreal time, and I hope we do him justice."

Jim McDermott, president of the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association, said in a statement that police officers are a "united brotherhood" who are committed to ensuring neighborhoods are safe and secure.

"Whether it is fighting an invisible enemy like coronavirus or curbing crime in our communities, the men and women in blue never fail to perform their duties and help our residents remain safe," he said. "We grieve the loss of one of our own and will forever remember the ultimate sacrifice paid by Sergeant Spinosa and all others like him who have died while wearing the uniform. We offer our sincerest condolences to him and his family during this difficult time."

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Today, members of the department along with numerous fire departments and law enforcement agencies lined the streets around NYU Winthrop Hospital to salute Sands Point Police Department Sergeant Joseph Spinosa as he was ceremonially transferred from Winthrop Hospital in Mineola to Wagner Funeral Home in Hicksville. Sergeant Spinosa passed away from COVID-19 earlier this week. Condolences to his family, friends and our brothers and sisters in blue. May he Rest In Peace. @mineolaengine1 @mineolatruck2 @mineolaengine3 #mineolafire #mineolafd #mineolaengine1 #mineolatruck2 #mineolaengine3 #sandspointpolicedepartment #LODD
A post shared by Mineola Fire Department (@mineolafiredepartment) on Apr 19, 2020 at 9:50am PDT

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Today, we paid our respect with the Sands Point Police Department in honor of Sgt. Joseph Spinosa, who lost his battle with COVID-19.
A post shared by North Bellmore Fire Department (@northbellmorefd) on Apr 19, 2020 at 11:21am PDT