Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department remembers Erasmo Troia
Manhasset-Lakeville firefighter Erasmo Troia, is being remembered as a dedicated first responder and beloved community member whose acts of bravery and service touched countless lives.
Erasmo Troia, a 25-year-old New York City police officer, EMT and member of the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department, is being remembered for a life dedicated to helping others.
Troia, an eight-year member of the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department and a CO2 firefighter, died Saturday. His death has left behind a grieving firehouse family, fellow officers and a community mourning a young man whose commitment to service extended far beyond his official duties.
The department announced his passing on social media, calling Troia a hero to his community.
“Erasmo’s dedication to service extended far beyond the uniform. He was someone who truly loved helping others and never hesitated to step in when someone needed him,” nonprofit Beyond the Badge said.
During his career, Troia was credited with numerous acts of bravery. According to Beyond the Badge, he once carried injured fellow officers to safety, ran roughly 10 blocks to help a stabbing victim and, while off duty, stopped to apply a tourniquet to a motorcyclist, helping save the person’s life.
His fellow firefighters say that willingness to help was simply part of who he was.
“Nobody is going to be able to replace him,” said firefigher Matthew Weilep.
Captain Nicholas Matteo said he and Troia joined the fire department around the same time, giving them years of experience working side by side.
“I always knew when we were together I had someone good backing me up. If anything went wrong, I knew he was there and was in a good spot when he was around,” Matteo said.
Those who worked with Troia say his instinct to serve others was evident not only during emergencies, but also in the way he interacted with people facing frightening and uncertain situations.
“He'd enter into a home and see a family being worried. He'd be the first one to run over and say it's ok, we got it handled, we have good people on it. Don't worry, you're house is going to be fine, you're family member is going to be fine,” Weilep said.
Troia's service also extended into his work as an EMT and NYPD officer. Colleagues say he consistently went beyond what was expected of him, whether he was responding to a call as a first responder or encountering someone in need while off duty.
For firefighter Jason Pilla, Troia's death is also the loss of a longtime friend.
“I was friends with him back in high school. Being on the truck with him and going to fires, communicating with him, it was a lot of fun. It's something I will always remember,” Pilla said.
At the firehouse, Troia is remembered not only for his courage, but for the way he worked alongside his fellow firefighters.
“He was always very proactive and get his hands dirty and do the right thing. He'd help out wherever we needed help,” Matteo said.
Troia's wake services will be held Thursday from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Fairchild Sons Funeral Chapel in Manhasset. A funeral service will be held Friday morning at St. Mary's Church.
