Senator Stavisky, Assemblywoman Rozic Memorialize NYPD Detective Anastasios Tsakos with LIE Overpass Renaming
May 20, 2022
FRESH MEADOWS, NY – State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky (D-Flushing) and Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D,WF-Fresh Meadows) announced the eventual renaming of the Long Island Expressway (“LIE”) overpass located at Francis Lewis Boulevard and Horace Harding Expressway as “Detective Anastasios Tsakos Memorial Bridge.” Stavisky and Rozic were joined by Irene Tsakos, various units of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), the Police Benevolent Association of the City of New York (“NYC PBA”) President Patrick J. Lynch, and members of the local community for the event memorializing the one-year anniversary of the passing of Detective Tsakos who was killed in the line of duty
Senator Stavisky said: "For more than a decade, Detective Tsakos served our city and helped keep our neighborhoods safe. He was a loving son and father who is survived by his wife and two children. It is fitting that we rename this overpass in his honor. The 'Detective Anastasios Tsakos Memorial Bridge' will not only keep his memory alive, but will also serve as a reminder of his heroism and line-of-duty death."
Assemblywoman Rozic said: "For over a decade, Detective Tsakos served honorably in the NYPD and his tragic, untimely loss has been felt in the hearts of many. Today’s gathering to memorialize his heroic life is a clear reflection of the love and respect felt for him, and I am grateful for the opportunity to honor his memory and service to New Yorkers with the renaming of the Fresh Meadows LIE overpass as ‘Detective Anastasios Tsakos Memorial Bridge.'"
On April 21, 2021 while responding to a collision that occurred on the LIE to assist with directing traffic, Detective Tsakos was struck and killed by an intoxicated driver. The driver fled the scene but was later apprehended and later charged by a Queens grand jury with a 13-count indictment including aggravated manslaughter and vehicular manslaughter.
Detective Tsakos had served 13 years with the NYPD as a highway officer assigned to Highway Unit 3. He was posthumously promoted to the rank of detective. From East Northport, he is survived by his wife, Irene, and their two children.
To honor his memory, the lawmakers have introduced legislation in their respective houses to rename the LIE overpass located at Francis Lewis Boulevard and Horace Harding Expressway as “Detective Anastasios Tsakos Memorial Bridge.” The legislation passed the State Senate and is moving through committee in the Assembly. Once passed and signed into law, the New York State Department of Transportation can proceed with the installation of signage along the LIE.
Over the past month, several gatherings have occurred to honor the late Detective Tsakos including a plaque and motorcycle sidecar dedication and renaming of the wellness center and gym at Highway Unit 3.
PBA President Patrick J. Lynch said: “We want every person who crosses this bridge to know that Police Officer Anastasios Tsakos was not only a good cop. He was also a great father, a beloved husband and a trusted friend to many of his brothers and sisters in blue. We lost all of that when he gave his life helping New Yorkers in distress. We thank Assembly Member Rozic and Senator Stavisky for helping to ensure that his heroic sacrifice is never forgotten.”
Assemblyman Keith Brown (R,C-Northport), said: “No family should ever have to go through what Irene Tsakos and her two children have to deal with every day. NYPD Officer Anastasios Tsakos is a hero we should all look up to for his dedication and commitment to our communities. When everyone was afraid during the pandemic, he made sure his neighbors were safe. East Northport will never forget this hero in blue, this husband and loving father. My office will always welcome Irene Tsakos and her two children and help them any way possible because that is what neighbors do and that is what Anastasios would do.”
