Matthew Smith, 20, pleaded guilty to running a red light at 70 miles per hour while intoxicated and slamming into officer Patricia Espinosa's vehicle in Lake Grove back in January.
Smith was underage at the time, and his blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit, according to prosecutors. His passenger was also seriously injured.
"There's no reason to endanger other people on the road through selfish and dangerous decisions," Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tieney said.
Smith was sentenced in Riverhead to state prison for 7 to 22 years.
"Today was a heartbreaking day for everybody. The tears were profound on both sides of the courtroom," said defense attorney Anthony La Pinta.
Smith's parents were in the courtroom as their son was sentenced after previously pleading guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide and other charges.
The 21-year-old turned around and faced the heartbroken family saying, "I mean this with all my heart; I am truly sorry."
Espinosa, 42, was driving to work at the time of the incident.
She is survived by her toddler daughter and husband, Francisco Malaga, who is also Nassau County police officer.
Her gut-wrenched family delivered impact statements, while people could be heard crying.
"There are no words to describe the amount of pain," said the victim's brother, Cristian Almeida.
Almedia said in court that he will carry the image of the catastrophic scene of his sister's deadly crash with him for the rest of his life.
"It's just sadness for sadness to the whole entire horrific incident," he said.
Malaga saw the crash on that winter morning and stopped to help, not knowing his wife was the victim.
He emotionally recalled that moment and said, "I watched the love of my life slip away."
"It's something that nobody should go through," Almeida said.
Espinosa's young daughter was in court on Monday, and her family spoke of all the child's future milestones that her mother will not be there for.
The district attorney said this tragic incident should be a warning to others of the dangers of drinking and getting behind the wheel.
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