In the early morning of December 12, 2011 a police officer by the name of Peter Figoski responded as backup, to a radio run of a Home Invasion Robbery in Progress in the 7-5. I can't tell you how many times this officer in his 22 years with the NYPD responded to this type of call. I can tell you, on this morning Police Officer Figoski and his partner Police Officer Estrada’s names will be etched in the history of the NYPD forever.

Police Officer Figoski was shot in the face while searching a basement apartment from which the 911 call originated. His partner, Police Officer Estrada, heard the shots, saw a male fleeing from the basement and gave chase. Police Officer Estrada apprehended the suspect, later ID as Lamont Pride several blocks from the shooting. Pride, just didn't take the life of a Hero New York City Police Officer, he ruined the lives of PO Figoski’s four daughters: Christine 20, Caitlyn 18, Caroline 16 and Connie 14.

I was told that PO Figoski worked the late tour so he could spend more time with his family. Words cannot bring back PO Figoski, but I want the family to know that a hero was laid to rest, but his smile will live on in the faces of his four beautiful daughters.

If you would like to contribute to the PO Peter Figoski Scholarship Fund, please send your check payable to the Peter Figoski Scholarship Fund and mail to the New York Police Foundation, 555 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10017 15th Floor.

As of today, December 30th 2011, and according to preliminary data from National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, 173 officers have been killed during 2011, up 13 percent from 153 line-of-duty deaths in 2010. These figures should be shoved down the throats of our politicians. Instead of reducing the salaries and benefits of police officers and all emergency first responders, they should be raising their salaries and benefits!  Retirees also fought the battle. "RETIREES MUST NOT BE FORGOTTEN!"

After writing the above article, I am at a loss for words. I honestly cannot continue to write my president’s message. I wish everybody a Healthy and Happy New Year and tonight before you go to bed, please say a prayer for PO Figoski, his family and all the men and women who wear the uniform protecting this great nation either overseas or in our local communities.