NYPD officer, Manhasset-Lakeville volunteer firefighter Erasmo Troia dies suddenly at 25

Erasmo Troia, an NYPD officer and Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department volunteer firefighter and EMT, died suddenly Sunday. He was 25.

News of his death has prompted an outpouring of grief from across Manhasset and North Hempstead, where Troia was known for a career built around helping others — both on duty with the NYPD and as a volunteer firefighter.

Troia joined the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department in May 2018, serving as a firefighter and EMT with the department’s ambulance unit while also working as a New York City police officer. Fire department members remembered him as someone whose warmth extended well beyond the uniform.

“He was an extremely compassionate person,” Chief Michael Rice said in a Long Island Press report. “Always wanted to help others.”

The company posted its own tribute to Facebook.

“Gone far too soon, but the impact you left on this world will never fade,” Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department Company 2 wrote. “You answered every call, helped every person in need, and left a mark on everyone lucky enough to know you. Fly high Erasmo.”

The nonprofit Beyond the Badge highlighted several acts of bravery from Troia’s career in law enforcement, including a heroic response to a stabbing, the rescue of an injured officer and the roadside tourniquet he applied while off-duty that helped save a motorcyclist.

“Erasmo’s dedication to service extended far beyond the uniform,” the organization said. “He was someone who truly loved helping others and never hesitated to step in when someone needed him.”

North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena said she had seen Troia in person just over a week before his death, at an Aug. 9 charity car show benefiting Cohen’s Children’s Medical Center, where he introduced her to MLFD’s Antique Truck Committee.

“Erasmo Troia will be remembered throughout the Manhasset and North Hempstead community for the way he cared deeply and inspired others,” she said in a statement. “Just last weekend, he introduced me to the Antique Truck Committee at an incredible charity event. A young leader, MLFD volunteer EMT, NYPD officer, beloved son, brother and friend. His life was dedicated to serving others.”

“May we honor Erasmo by continuing to look out for one another and serve our community in his name,” DeSena added. “My deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”

State Sen. Jack Martins offered a similar tribute.

“We mourn the loss of Erasmo Troia, a dedicated NYPD officer, Manhasset-Lakeville volunteer firefighter and EMT who devoted his life to serving his neighbors,” Martins said. “I am grateful for his selflessness and courage. He answered the call every day and his service will not be forgotten. I extend my deepest condolences and prayers to his family, friends and the fellow first responders who loved him so dearly.”

Troia’s former teacher, Stephen Gilroy, recalled him as a standout student in the Manhasset school district.

“I taught in Manhasset for almost 40 years,” Gilroy wrote on Facebook. “Erasmo was one of the best students I ever taught and by far the finest young man and citizen.”

Troia’s cousin, Antonietta Porretto-Troia, described a bond that stretched back to Troia’s childhood.

“My heart is broken beyond words,” she wrote. “I’ve known my cousin Erasmo since he was a little boy, and he held such a special place in my heart from the very beginning.

“I remember thinking he was the cutest baby and watching him grow up was such a blessing,” she continued. “It’s impossible to put into words how much you meant to us and how deeply you will be missed. You were loved by so many, and you will forever hold a special place in my heart.”

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