Overpass named for Nassau's first female cop to die in the line of duty

An overpass spanning the Meadowbrook Parkway was formally renamed Thursday to honor Nassau County's first female police officer to die in the line of duty.

State officials unveiled a sign naming the Merrick Road overpass after Kathleen Reilly, a Baldwin native who made history when she joined the police department in February 1966. She was promoted to detective less than two years later.

Reilly, known as Kay or Kate, died on Christmas 1967 when she was struck by a car while helping a stranded motorist on the Meadowbrook in Freeport, not far from the bridge that now bears her name. She was the state's first female cop killed in the line of duty.

Reilly's sister, Joan Labriola, of Wantagh, and dozens of Reilly's relatives attended ceremonies Thursday at Merrick Road Park Golf Course, about a mile from the bridge.

"We all are absolutely overwhelmed by this wonderful tribute," Labriola told the gathering, attended by dozens of Nassau police officers.

Gov. David Paterson authorized the bridge re-naming following a campaign launched by the Nassau Police Benevolent Association. Legislation making the change was sponsored by State Sen. Charles Fuschillo (R-Merrick) and Assemb. David McDonough (R-Merrick).

Fuschillo said the overpass, now called the Det. Kathleen M. Reilly Memorial Bridge, honors "the true courage of an extraordinary woman."

Reilly, who wore badge No. 1, was driving with family members and her fiance, Robert Beam, to a sister's house when she came upon a car that had crashed into a center divider on the Meadowbrook. When her family asked her to stay in the car, she said, "This is my job."

A second car crushed Reilly as she tried to help the stranded driver. She was 28.

A statement from Nassau Police Commissioner Lawrence Mulvey said Reilly "epitomized the professionalism and dedication of a law enforcement officer."

There are now nearly 300 female officers on the Nassau police force, said Assistant Chief Karen O'Callaghan, commanding officer of the department's homeland security and counter-terrorism bureau.

"It's long overdue and it's extremely well deserved," she said of the recognition for Reilly. "She set a standard for all the female police officers through her actions."

By CARL MACGOWAN
Posted Thursday, December 11, 2008

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