Updated 12/19/2011 11:10 PM
Thousands Pay Tribute At Fallen NYPD Officer's Funeral
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Family, friends, and fellow officers gathered on Long Island Monday to say their final goodbyes to Peter Figoski, a 22-year veteran of the force who was gunned down in Brooklyn last week. Roger Clark filed the following report.The four grieving daughters of New York City Police Officer Peter Figoski looked on as their father's casket was carried into St. Joseph's Church in Babylon, Long Island. It was an emotional moment as the fallen officer was remembered during funeral services.
"Everybody's sad," said one local resident. "It seems like a lot of people from our town is here."
Thousands of police officers from the NYPD and beyond paid tribute to the 22-year veteran of the force. It was a week ago that Figoski was shot in the face responding to a robbery in Cypress Hills, Brooklyn.
Police say 27-year-old Lamont Pride pulled the trigger. Pride is charged with first and second degree murder, and four other men are charged with second degree murder.
During the service, Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced that Figoski has been posthumously promoted to detective first grade.
"It’s a small measure of our appreciation for the supreme sacrifice that he made," the mayor said.
Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said that Figoski was looked upon as a model for how to do things right.
"He believed good should prevail over evil, and he worked to make it so," Kelly said. "Other officers just felt safer knowing Pete was around."
More than $600 thousand has been raised for a scholarship fund for Figoski's daughters, in tribute to a man who friends say wasn't just a great cop – but a great dad too.
In a touching moment, a family friend read a statement from the four daughters, ages 20, 18, 16 and 14.
"Our father would be so honored and so proud by all of this, and is forever in our hearts," the statement said. "It is said when a hero falls, an angel rises. Rest in peace, Daddy."