The death of New York State Trooper Joseph Longobardo, who was shot and killed in the line of duty last week, was a fresh reminder of the terrible toll of violence in our society. Our hearts go out to Joseph’s widow Terri and their infant son, and Joseph’s parents Tony and Donna. Tony – a wonderful, open-hearted human being - is my teammate on an older men’s softball team. I can only imagine what Tony and Donna are going through now. They don’t deserve this. Murder affects more than one life - it creates a ripple effect of grief and loss that ultimately diminishes us all. Although I realize this, I’m still never prepared in an emotional sense when violence strikes close to home. There’s just no armor we can strap around our hearts.

We encourage everyone to contribute to a fund that has been established to help Trooper Longobardo’s family. Checks can be sent to The New York State Trooper Foundation, 3 Airport Park Blvd, Latham, NY 12210. Write “for Longobardo Family” in the memo area on your check.

I never met Joseph, but he is described as well-liked, generous, professional, and kind by all who knew him. A member of the National Guard, he always extended himself to help others and to serve his community and country. At thirty-two, he was just coming into his own, professionally and personally. His loss is difficult to endure – a reminder of the fragility of human life, and of the dangerous work that police officers must do to protect us.

We are disturbed by news stories which suggest that Trooper Longobardo’s presumed killer has been glamorized by a few residents of Cattaraugus County in western New York. Shooting people isn’t glamorous, it’s sick.