The sounds of sorrow rang out in Smithtown on Long Island as a community came together to honor Nassau County Police Officer Patricia Espinosa.
The 42-year-old was tragically killed by a drunk driver over the weekend.
Her funeral took place at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church.
"This is the life of these heroes," said Father Gerard. "You know, they stand up there and they stand out there for us to protect us. Death is not the last word, that death is not victorious."
Hundreds and hundreds of police officers as well as local leaders and family members gathered with that message in mind, as Officer Espinosa was laid to rest.
She is described as a beloved member of the 5th Precinct, as well as a doting caretaker, and rescuer of animals.
She was also a wife and mother, leaving behind an 18-month-old daughter, and her husband, Francisco Malaga, who is also Nassau County police officer.
"She kissed her husband and baby goodbye, was on her way to work and got hit by a drunk driver," said Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder. "Two minutes behind the husband says goodbye to the baby, gets in the car going to work. He stops to help somebody in an accident. And it's his wife. We're here for him and the entire family."
That deadly crash happened early Saturday morning on Route 347 in Saint James. Police say 20-year-old Matthew Smith ran a red light, crashing into Espinosa's car and killing her.
Smith has been charged with a DWI and is set to be arraigned Friday.
There were no news cameras inside the funeral mass, but outside the walls of the church, the pain and emotion were most evident.
"Oh my god, she was a super woman. She was force strength. The best person in my life," said family friend, Sara Mino.
It was a solemn goodbye to an officer, and a hero who won't ever be forgotten.
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