They say the first year anniversary of anyone's passing is the hardest and the more tragic the circumstances of the loss, the harder it can be for those who mourn their loss. If that's true, Friday, March 14, 2008, will be a very difficult day for the thousands of members of the New York City Auxiliary Police unit, their fellow sworn full time officers, family members and friends.
On March 14, 2007, NYPD Auxiliary Police Officers Eugene Marshalik and Nicholas Pekearo were brutally shot and killed while on foot patrol by a gunman who earlier had killed a civilian dining at a restaurant. For those who may not be familiar with the NYPD's Auxiliary Police, its roots reach back to the 1950s as an outgrowth of the then Civil Defense force. The NYPD Auxiliary force numbers close to 5,000 members who are unarmed (other than a basic sap, handcuffs and OC) civilians tasked with being those critical extra eyes and ears for the NYPD's large force of 40,000+ sworn full time officers. In addition to providing foot patrols the units also patrol in marked vehicles, bicycles, boats and even have their own Auxiliary ESU, Emergency Services Unit, to assist with traffic accidents, folks trapped in elevators, etc.
While any loss of human life is sad, what makes this loss especially hard is how the two men died. Shortly after the incident there was much misinformation spreading about the internet with many pundits saying it was their own fault for chasing a man with a gun or the NYPD's for putting unarmed civilians in uniforms that look much like the NYPD's full time sworn officers. While everyone is entitled to their own opinion, it's usually best when opinions are based on facts to begin with versus rumor and speculation. The fact of the matter is, these two dedicated Auxiliary Police volunteers were headed to the area of a reported disturbance at a local restaurant, not a man with a gun call. Upon seeing a man that somewhat matched the description of the suspect they approached him at which time he began running away from them. The two men trailed the suspect from across the street calling out his location to their sworn counterparts so full time armed officers could stop and questioned the suspect. Unfortunately what no one knew at the time was the suspect was not only armed but mentally disturbed and desperate to get away as he had just shot and killed a civilian in a local restaurant. As sworn officers approached the suspect from the direction he was running towards, he turned around and ran directly at the two Auxiliary Officers shooting and killing them both, perhaps believing they were also armed officers. Harsh as it my sound to some, fortunately members of the NYPD shot and killed the armed man shortly after that before he could take anymore innocent lives.
For those who would argue that it was the fault of the NYPD for allowing civilians to be in uniforms very similar to those of their full time sworn officers, the fact of the matter is, they do so because it works. During 9/11 and the massive August 2003 east coast blackout, just to name a few, thousands of members of the NYPD's Auxiliary Police force were mobilized to assist with traffic control, road closures and general crowd control thus freeing up their sworn counterparts to focus on what they do best, catch and stop the crooks who take advantage of these situations as well as handling "normal" calls for service. Having been involved in hundreds of traffic control details myself over the last 10 years, as a civilian police volunteer, I can tell you for a fact that being in a recognizable and professional looking uniform makes things much easier. People will tend to follow your instructions versus argue and question who you are and what right to you have to tell them they can't drive there, etc. etc.
However I also fully understand, as should anyone who is on the street in some type of police uniform, that there are risks involved and there is a slight chance you could be harmed because of your close identity to a law enforcement officer. Having said that, it's a risk the tens of thousands of my fellow police volunteers are willing to accept as the reward, because "being part of the solution, not the problem" outweighs the risk.
Still don't understand why we do this and why the two slain NYPD Auxiliary Officers were willing to and in this tragic case, paid the ultimate sacrifice? Consider the hardship endured by our brave young men and women of the armed forces. An 18 year old Marine, Soldier, Sailor, Airman, etc. with a spouse and one or more children will most likely have to work two jobs or have their spouse work also just to get by as sadly, we pay our lower ranking enlisted personnel so poorly. When that young man or woman signs up, they do so knowing they will most likely be called to Iraq and when that happens, their second job or perhaps their spouses job will be lost as they care for their children.
Ask yourself, why would anyone knowingly put their family in a position where they will most likely be living close to the poverty line, just barely getting by and enduring hardship for a year or more? Because of their sense of duty, honor, country and wanting to be part of the solution to ending terrorism against our nation so their children can grow up to live in a safer society. While it may be hard to relate walking a foot patrol unarmed in New York city in a police uniform to patrolling the streets of Iraq, when it's all said and done, I would suggest to you that the spirit and courage of the two NYPD Auxiliary Officers, Eugene Marshalik and Nicholas Pekearo, who gave their lives in the line of duty on March 14, 2007, is very similar to those who have also given and risk their lives on the streets of Iraq hoping to make our nation safer for all.
If your department utilizes volunteers or you know someone who volunteers, perhaps today might be a good day, in honor of all those who have given their lives to protect our country, to thank them for what they do. I can assure you, the families of NYPD Auxiliary Officers Eugene Marshalik and Nicholas Pekearo would appreciate that gesture in honor of their sons as they mourn this day, a year ago, when they both gave their lives to help protect us all as have so many other brave members of law enforcement, the Fire Service and United States Military. God bless them all.
Special Note: the NYPD Auxiliary Police will be hosting their 20th annual Interfaith Memorial Service on Sunday, March 30, 2008 in New York City to honor the fallen. All members of law enforcement from across the nation, with a special emphasis for uniformed Auxiliary Police and Reserve officers are welcomed to attend. More information may be found at the below link to the NYPD's Auxiliary PBA.
