Tributes flow for Greek American police officer killed while on duty

Husband and father of two, Greek American police officer Anastasios Tsakos, 43, died after being struck by a hit-and-run driver in the early morning hours of Tuesday.

New York City Police Department Officer Anastasios Tsakos was fatally struck by a hit-and-run driver while directing traffic away from an earlier crash scene. Source: Twitter/@NewYorkFBI

Key points

• Greek American police officer tragically dies while on duty
• The 43-year-old was hit by an allegedly intoxicated driver
• Archbishop Elpidophoros and the New York Mayor are among those who publicly expressed condolences

The 32-year-old driver faces a series of charges including vehicular manslaughter, driving while intoxicated and reckless endangerment.

The incident took place on the Long Island Expressway, where Anastasios Tsakos – known as Taso – was directing traffic at the scene of an earlier crash.

Archbishop Elpidophoros of America tweeted about “the tragic death”, while family neighbours spoke of a loving father and a generous person, as reported by US media.

He leaves behind a 6-year-old daughter and 3-year-old son.

Colleagues of the officer staged a solemn salute in his memory, while tributes for the 14-year NYPD veteran came from beyond his department, including from FBI.

“It is devastating to speak to his widow. Two young children that are going to grow up without a father,” said Police Commissioner Dermot Shea.

New York Mayor, Bill de Blasio, referred to Tsakos as “a hero officer, who did everything right in his life for us, and he is dead because of other people’s negligence”.