NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Ask anyone and they'll say Officer Katie Thyne always had a smile on her face.
Her life was cut short more than a week ago, and now her 2-year-old daughter is forced to grow up without her mother.
The Newport News Police Foundation is honoring her legacy. The foundation started the Officer Katie Thyne Memorial Fund. 100% of the donations are going into a trust fund for Thyne's daughter. So far, the fund has raised $60,000.
"To see the level of support that Katie and her family have received, and law enforcement is receiving from this tragedy is heartwarming,” Major Rob Coleman said.
Coleman is the president of the police foundation and said they have gotten a lot of inquiries from people wanting to show their support. He said the foundation is partnering with a couple businesses to raise money for the fund, including 7-Eleven and Midtown Eats in Newport News on Saturday, February 8.
“It is special the way our city has come and wrapped their arms around Katie's family,” Coleman said.
A memorial service was held to honor the memory of Officer Katie Thyne, who was killed on January 23. Thyne was dragged by a car during a traffic stop. The car crashed into a tree and pinned her.
Officers escorted her body from Newport News to her hometown of Lowell, Massachusetts where she was laid to rest on Saturday with full military and police honors.
Thyne served in the Navy and continued to work in the Navy Reserves while she served with the Newport News Police Department. She joined the force last year once she graduated from the police academy.
Governor Ralph Northam ordered all Virginia and U.S. flags throughout the Commonwealth to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Monday to honor Thyne.
“Her fellow officers said she was a joy to work with, just a certain energy and I witnessed it last Saturday at the Boys & Girls Club, just so much love the kids showed for Katie that day,” Coleman said.
The city plans to add Officer Thyne's name to the fallen heroes memorial in front of City Hall.