Memorial for Nassau’s first female cop

She was on the roadside trying to help a stranded driver when a passing car struck her. At a Dec. 11 ceremony, the Merrick Road bridge that connects Merrick and Freeport and crosses over the parkway near the scene of the fatal accident was named in her honor.
New York state Sen. Charles Fuschillo Jr. and Assemblyman David McDonough presented Reilly's sister, Joan Labriola, with a plaque commemorating the officer's contributions to Nassau County and New York state at the ceremony at the Merrick Road Golf Course in Merrick.
"On behalf of my family, we'd like to thank Senator Fuschillo, Assemblyman McDonough and the Nassau County Police Department for all their efforts to create this tribute," said Labriola, noting that her sister spent off-duty time tutoring fellow officers and rose quickly through the department's ranks. "The police department was a second family to Kate."
Reilly earned many honors and special assignments in her short career, and was named the department's first female detective in 1967.
While off-duty on Christmas that year, the then 28-year-old Reilly spotted a disabled car as she was driving with her mother and fiance. She was struck shortly after pulling over to help, making her the first woman to die while performing the duties of a Nassau County police officer.
Fuschillo, who, together with McDonough, sponsored legislation earlier this year to designate the overpass as the Det. Kathleen M. Reilly Memorial Bridge, said, "Detective Reilly's selflessness, bravery and sense of duty epitomized the very best traits of our police officers and helped open doors for generations of young women who aspired to serve in the Nassau County Police Department."
"We are all very proud of Kate," said Labriola, "and now everyone who drives by this bridge will be reminded just how special a person she was."
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