Irving officer who died in crash eulogized
By ERIC AASEN
The Dallas Morning News
IRVING, Tex. – Officer Andrew Albert Esparza was serious about his work, loved being with children and had a deep Christian faith.
The young man’s spirit filled Irving Bible Church on Wednesday as hundreds of mourners remembered Officer Esparza, who died on duty last week.
Irving Police Chief Larry Boyd, fighting back tears, said Officer Esparza “learned to serve and not to be served.”
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“Andrew wasn’t just looking for a job,” Chief Boyd said. “He was a man on a mission. He wanted to help people. He wanted to make a difference. He wanted to mold a better society.”
Officer Esparza, 26, was headed east on State Highway 183 on Friday evening as severe weather hit North Texas. He crashed into a concrete pole after his car apparently hydroplaned while he was en route to help another officer. He died later at a hospital.
Andrew Esparza Officer Esparza is the first officer in the 325-member Irving department to die in the line of duty since 2000, when Officer Aubrey Hawkins was killed when he confronted seven Texas prison escapees who had robbed an Irving sporting goods store.
On Wednesday morning, Officer Esparza ‘s body rested in a dark casket covered with an American flag. A portrait of him dressed in his police uniform stood nearby. Dozens of bouquets surrounded him – roses, carnations and sunflowers. The church was filled with Irving elected officials, city staff and representatives from various North Texas law enforcement agencies. He was later buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Fort Worth.
Wednesday’s service was a reminder that an officer’s death deeply touches a police force. Several Irving officers clutched tissues, wiping away tears and consoling each other. The death hit even harder because Officer Esparza’s brother, Ralph, also serves on the Irving police force.
Chief Boyd said that Officer Esparza, who had worked in the Police Department for a couple of years, “earned the trust and respect of fellow officers – and that’s no small thing.”
Ralph Esparza said his brother was dedicated to police work and wanted to be a police chief someday.
“There’s absolutely no doubt in my mind that he would have accomplished that goal,” he said. “He had great integrity. He was proud to call himself an Irving cop.”
Irving police said Officer Esparza received various commendations while on the force. Earlier this year, he was commended for volunteering to assist on a “difficult assignment” – a call involving the sexual assault of a minor – and “demonstrated competence and self-supervision far in advance of his years.”
Mourners on Wednesday saw several photographs of Officer Esparza flashed on large screens. They were pictures from happier times: holding a bottle as a baby; hunting; with family members next to the Christmas tree; skiing; in his police uniform, surrounded by family and friends.
Felix Esparza said one of his brother’s greatest passions was talking with kids and being around his nieces and nephews.
Ralph Esparza said his brother was always willing to help take care of his niece – Ralph Esparza’s daughter – even after working an overnight shift.
Officer Esparza’s longtime girlfriend, Kenli Key, said he would have been a “wonderful husband and an even better daddy.”
“Andrew was my heart and my soul,” she said. “He truly was my Superman, and I will always love him.”
Growing up, Felix Esparza recalls a time when he’d raise his blanket, letting his brother fall asleep with him.
“He was a little scared,” he said. “I wanted to be there to comfort him.”
Last week, Felix said he was the one who was scared when he learned that his brother had died.
“I love you, and I’m so proud of you,” he said. “Proud of everything you did. I thank God he gave us 26 years. When my day comes and I come to heaven, you’ll be there waiting for me with that blanket raised.”
Copyright 2007 The Dallas Morning News