NYPD Officer Peter Figoski shot and killed

A New York City police officer responding to a call early on December 12, 2011 was shot and eventually died. The officer, Peter Figoski, had 22 years of experience. Officer Figoski and other officers were responding to a burglary at an apartment building.

This is a sad reminder of how every day police officers put their lives on the line to protect our community, our family, our homes and businesses. It scares me that in this time of economic struggles, so many politicians have agendas to cut back our police forces to the bare minimum.

Nassau County has been doing just that, and continues to do so. Of course there are times when the shift may be a slow one, when maybe there seems to be an extra officer or so that wasn't really needed that day. However, what happens when that officer is needed and is not there? That thought frightens me. That thought should frighten everyone, whether you are an officer, or part of the community.