Lakewood, CA – The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department solemnly announced the passing of Deputy Thomas J. Albanese, a Marine Corps veteran with four tours in Iraq, following a tragic traffic collision. On Thursday, February 25, 2021, at about 8:58 AM, Deputy Albanese was fatally struck at the intersection of Del Amo Boulevard and Paramount Boulevard in Lakewood.
According to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s reports, Deputy Albanese, 41, was executing a traffic stop when a sedan collided with his vehicle, causing immediate fatal injuries. A member of the Sheriff’s Department since 2013, he began his career as a Security Assistant in the Aero Bureau and became a sworn peace officer in 2015. His assignments included Men’s Central Jail, Transit Services Bureau, and Lakewood Station as a Field Training Officer.
Serving at the time of the accident on overtime at Lakewood Station, Deputy Albanese’s career was distinguished not only by his law enforcement service but also by his military service. He is survived by his wife, Erica, and two young sons. Deputy Albanese’s dedication and heroism are deeply mourned by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the community he served.
