Today is Law Enforcement Day at the New York State Fair. Police officials remembered officers lost in the line of duty with a special memorial. State Police Superintendent Joe D’Amico says it’s been a tough 15 months in his department, with five officers killed while on duty. He says it’s hard on morale.
“They’re friends, they're people you work with," D'Amico said. "You talk about the law enforcement family, and it really is. It’s more than just colleagues. People become very close, so it’s very difficult.”
D'Amico says every time an officer is killed on duty, the department looks to see if something could have prevented it. He notes that sometimes it isn't possible, citing acase earlier this year where a trooper making a traffic stop on Interstate 81 was run down by a passing motorist.
"I never want to be here putting another name on these memorials," D'Amico said. "I mean, I pray every year that we don't have to do it."
