February 27, 2021 - SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom on Friday issued the following statement regarding the death of Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Motorcycle Deputy Thomas J. Albanese:

“Jennifer and I extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Deputy Albanese, who was tragically killed while on duty. Our brave first responders place their lives in danger every day to protect their communities. We are forever grateful for his service to the people of Los Angeles.”

On February 25, Deputy Albanese was attempting to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation on his departmental motorcycle when he was involved in a traffic collision. Deputy Albanese succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

Deputy Albanese, 41, was a seven-year veteran of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department and was assigned to the Pico Rivera Sheriff’s Station. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and served four tours in Iraq. He is survived by his wife and two sons.

Flags at the State Capitol will be flown at half-staff in honor of Deputy Albanese.
Source: Office of the Governor

Related: Per Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department;

On Thursday, February 25, 2021, at 8:58 AM, Deputy Thomas J. Albanese, 41, was killed in an unfortunate traffic collision at the intersection of Del Amo Boulevard and Paramount Boulevard in the City of Lakewood.

Deputy Albanese was traveling northbound on Paramount Blvd., approaching Del Amo, when he attempted to conduct a traffic stop of a vehicle ahead of him. As Deputy Albanese entered the intersection, he was struck by a sedan traveling westbound on Del Amo Boulevard. The force of the collision was extreme, and Deputy Albanese died instantly.

Deputy Albanese was a seven-year veteran of the Sheriff's Department. He started his career with the Sheriff's Department as a Security Assistant in 2013 in the Aero Bureau. In 2015, he took an oath of office to serve his duties as a peace officer faithfully and was assigned to Men's Central Jail. He went to patrol at Transit Services Bureau and then transferred to Lakewood Station as a Field Training Officer.

Deputy Albanese's last assignment was as a Pico Rivera Station Motor Deputy but was working overtime at the Lakewood Station when the tragic accident occurred.

In addition to his short but impressive career with the Sheriff's Department, Deputy Albanese was part of the Marine Corps, serving from March 2001 through March 2010. He served four tours in Iraq and was highly decorated.

Sheriff Alex Villanueva said, “Thomas touched the lives of many people while working in the Department. He received several commendations for his work in patrol and helping the citizens of Los Angeles County.”

Deputy Albanese is survived by his wife of 12 years, Erica, and his two young boys. He will be greatly missed by all of us in the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Family.
Photo credit: Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department