David Lerner Associates and Long Island Police Crisis Foundation Honor Families of Two Fallen NCPD Officers

David Lerner Associates, Inc., a privately held financial management and investment firm headquartered in Syosset, New York, recently held a ceremony to formally announce that it will serve as the title sponsor of the 35^th Annual David Lerner Associates Long Island Police Appreciation Run at Eisenhower Park. Proceeds from the event go toward the Long Island Police Crisis Fund, which assists local law enforcement and their families in times of financial hardship. Since 1991, David Lerner Associates has contributed more than $500,000 to empower police officers and their families when they’re in need.

During the ceremony, the families of two Nassau County police officers who had unexpectedly passed away, Officer Sean Ledwith and Officer Patricia Espinosa, were each honored and presented with $5,000 through the fund. In addition to David Lerner Associates executives and the two officers’ families, the ceremony was attended by Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph S. Saladino, who presented citations to both David Lerner Associates and the Greater Long Island Running Club for their continued efforts to support the Long Island Police Crisis Fund.

“This sponsorship reflects a deep respect for the men and women of law enforcement and a longstanding commitment to supporting them and their families during life’s most difficult moments,” said Martin Walcoe, President & CEO of David Lerner Associates. “Long Island is our home both for our company and many of our employees, and police departments offer an invaluable benefit to our communities. For 35 years, this event has brought the community together in a meaningful way to ensure that when hardship occurs, officers and their loved ones receive real and lasting support.”

Officer Sean Ledwith unexpectedly passed away in his sleep on January 11th, at age 45. He was a member of the Nassau County Police Bureau of Special Operations and a Marine Corps veteran who served two tours in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and one in Kosovo with a United Nations peacekeeping force. He was a Police Officer for 11 years with the Nassau County Police Department. Sean was a loving dad, husband to Shannon and leaves behind four children, Maeve, Sean and twin boys, Connor and Finn.

Officer Patricia Espinosa of the Nassau County Police Department, a member of the Fifth Precinct and a nine-year veteran of the force, died the morning of January 31st after a traffic accident caused by a drunk driver while Espinosa was commuting to work. She was 42. She participated in the NCPD Mentoring Initiative, working with young residents. Espinosa was entering her fifth year as Sergeant-At-Arms for the Nassau County Police Hispanic Society; a position focused on fostering communication between the department and the community. She is survived by her husband, Francisco Malaga, and her 2-year-old daughter, Mia. She was part of a law enforcement family; her husband and her two brothers, Christian and David Almeida, also serve as police officers.

“The Long Island Police Appreciation Run stands as a powerful symbol of community solidarity,” said Mike Polansky, President of the Long Island Police Crisis Foundation. “The dedication shown by David Lerner Associates and the broader Long Island community sends a clear message that officers and their families have the support of those they serve. The Long Island Police Crisis Fund continues to provide critical assistance during times of profound loss and need.”

Each year, the David Lerner Associates Long Island Police Appreciation Run draws hundreds of participants and spectators in support of Long Island police officers and their families. For 2026, the run will take place on June 11^th at 6:15pm. Interested participants can register via this link; https://events.elitefeats.com/26appreciation

The annual 5k event is organized and coordinated by the Greater Long Island Running Club and is part of the Long Island Track & Field Grand Prix of road races managed by Elitefeats. All participants will receive a high-quality commemorative T-shirt. Awards will be presented to the top overall male and female finishers, the top wheelchair finisher, and the top three finishers in each of 17 age divisions (ages 14 & under through 90 & over). A special Law Enforcement Division will recognize the top three open and masters (age 40+) male and female finishers.

David Lerner Associates, founded in 1976, is a privately held investment company now marking its 50th year in business.

David Lerner Associates is headquartered in Syosset, New York and has branch offices in Boca Raton, Florida; Lawrenceville, New Jersey; White Plains, New York; and Westport, Connecticut. For more information, visit www.davidlerner.com.