Daughter of fallen Nassau deputy presented with scholarship by Operation American Dream

The community is rallying around the daughter of a deputy killed in the line of duty.

Nassau County Sheriff's Office Deputy Eric Oliver was killed last November. He was chasing a suspect when he was hit by a car.

Thursday, his 7-year-old daughter Shelby Oliver got some help paying for college with a scholarship worth more than $6,000.

The scholarship was presented by Operation American Dream. The nonprofit helps fund scholarships for the children of U.S. military and first responders killed in the line of duty.

“Getting that heartbreaking news that your other half has been killed, you know. Your whole world crumbles," Crystal Oliver said.

“Your heart just is like torn from you and then you’re like, 'I have to do this alone. How am I going to make this happen? How are we still going to fulfill our dreams for our daughter?'”

Thursday, that dream of seeing Shelby go to college got a big boost. And while Shelby's still in first grade there's one college she already seems to love – the University of Florida.

And as for mom:

"I want her to pass the first grade now and then we’ll kind of go from there."

Crystal said no matter what college Shelby eventually chooses, she'll support her. You can still donate to Shelby's scholarship by visiting www.DeputyOliver.com.

Cox Media Group