Dominic Smithers
The unborn baby of a cop who was shot dead has received thousands of dollars for a university scholarship.
Jason Rivera was killed while responding to a domestic disturbance in Harlem, New York, on 21 January last year.
The 22-year-old, who was a rookie cop with the NYPD, was ambushed with his partner Wilbert Mora.
Both men were killed before a third officer, Sumit Sulan, was able to shoot the gunman, 47-year-old Lashawn McNeil.
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A year after his death, Rivera's widow, Dominique Luzuriaga Rivera, announced that she had fallen pregnant with his baby after going through IVF.
And in a bid to give both Dominique and her child some support and security in the future, The First Responders Children's Foundation has stepped in.
The charity has donated $20,000 to the mother and child, who is due on 5 June, for its university education.
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Jilian Crane, the CEO and president of the organization, told the New York Post: "This child, baby Rivera, will be able to pursue higher education without hopefully too much financial burden.
"We can't take away the grief. We can't take away the sorrow. But maybe we can take away the financial [strain]."
Reacting to the incredible news, Dominique described it as a 'blessing' and was thankful for the generosity.
“That is amazing,” she said. "I just think how fortunate and how lucky this baby — who is not even born — would have [this] to lean on.
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"Because for me to go to school … it was hard for me. So to have that financial support and not think about that part and go to college stress-free, it’s a blessing
"I can’t be more grateful than that.”
Back in January this year, Dominique revealed that she was pregnant after harvesting sperm from her husband before he died.
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“I think Jason would be just as happy as I was to find out,” she said.
“He told me he likes my hair because my hair is straight. But I like his because it’s curly.
"I was like, I hope the baby comes out with curly hair and have beautiful, bouncy curls. And Jason had dimples.
“I hope the baby is as smart as you and independent. He’s not here, but I can see my baby and think about this baby was created by the love between him, you know, me and the father.”