Long Island culinary community rallies for slain Nassau County officer

Authorities say Officer Patricia Espinosa was killed after a vehicle crash with an alleged intoxicated driver; Long Island restaurateurs organized a widespread "LI Pizza Strong" fundraiser and supporters have raised more than $260,000 to help her family.

Officer Patricia Espinosa, 42, was reported killed after a vehicle crash with an alleged intoxicated driver while she was driving to work. She was remembered at a recent funeral as a mother, a community volunteer and a longtime officer. Her husband is also a Nassau County police officer and their two-year-old daughter survives her. Local restaurateurs organized a broader fundraiser and supporters have raised more than $260,000 on GoFundMe to help the family. Key facts: - Officials reported Espinosa died after a crash involving an accused drunk driver while she was en route to work. - She is survived by her husband, fellow Nassau County officer Francisco Malaga, their daughter and two brothers who also serve in law enforcement. - More than 200 pizzerias have been invited to join the "LI Pizza Strong" fundraiser, which asks participating shops to contribute $5 per pie sold on Feb. 25. - Organizers say the effort will be listed at Lipizzastrong.com and supporters have already raised over $260,000 on GoFundMe. Summary: Espinosa's death has prompted widespread local fundraising and community support to assist her grieving family. Organizers describe the LI Pizza Strong event as a coordinated effort among many pizzerias to raise funds on a set date and to highlight preventing drunk driving. Undetermined at this time.