In the winter of 2016, the Freeport community in New York was shaken by the tragic death of one of its own. Sandy Delacruz, a 35-year-old Hispanic female and a dedicated police officer, passed away on December 22, 2016. An 11-year veteran of the Freeport Police Department, she had also begun her law enforcement career with the New York City Police Department.
Her death was a shock to her colleagues, local residents, and all who knew her as a committed member of the community.
On that December evening, officers responded to a report of a shooting near the intersection of North Bayview and Randall avenues. It was there they made a heartbreaking discovery. Officer Delacruz was found deceased in her patrol car while she was on duty. The cause of death was determined to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Following an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death, the Freeport Village police classified the incident as noncriminal. Officials stated there was no foul play involved, and her death was officially ruled a suicide. As a result, there were no arrests made or suspects sought in connection with this sad event. The focus remained on the loss of a respected officer and the profound grief experienced by her family, friends, and the entire police department. Sandy Delacruz was remembered not only for her service but also as a beloved wife and mother to two children.
