(WSBT) WSBT News viewers have responded throughout the day to Tuesday's shooting death of South Bend Police Cpl. Nick Polizzotto.
Here are a handful of e-mails sent to us. At the bottom you can send us your own comments or post them on the Officer Down Memorial Page:
THIS GOES TO POLIZZOTTO FAMILY AND OUR POLICE OFFICERS. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH NICK'S FAMILY AND OUR GOOD POLICE OFFICERS. I AM SO SORRY THIS HAD TO HAPPENED, AGAIN. THESE TWO GOOD POLICE MEN DOING THERE JOB WERE SHOT BY A SENSELESS MAN. NICK DIED, BUT THANK GOD MICHEAL DID NOT. JUST WANTED TO LET THE POLIZZOTTO FAMILY THAT THE COMMUNITY IS HERE TO SUPPORT THEM IN THEIR LOST. NICK POLIZZOTTO DIED AS BEING OUR COMMUNITY HERO. NICK WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR THOUGHTS. THANKS TO THE POLICE OFFICERS THAT KEEP OUR COMMUNITY SAFE, YOUR ACTIONS DO NOT GO WITHOUT BEING RECOGNIZE. I HAVE SO MUCH RESPECT AND LOVE FOR OUR POLICE OFFICERS. THANKS SO MUCH.
— Mayra
My deepest sympathies and thoughts to the family of Cpl. Nick Polizzotto; The South Bend Police Department, the citizens of South Bend.
May you stay strong through the coming days and weeks; know that we are thinking of you.
Sally
As the former wife of a now retired south bend police officer my heart goes out to the families, friends and men and women of the south bend police department on the senseless murdering and wounding of two fine officers doing the job they both loved. As other members of our great community have related, they were there to serve and protect all of us and this is the way they were thanked.Years ago when my husband was on the force things were so much better and quieter but I still worried when he put on that uniform and walked out the door. Things have changed so drastically.God bless you all. You all are in my daily prayers. Stay Safe.
— PJS
TO ALL POLICE OFFICERS AND THEIR FAMILIES: MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO ALL OF YOU. THESE OFFICERS PUT THEIR LIVES ON THE LINE EVERY DAY AND IT'S A SHAME THAT THEIR FAMILIES HAVE TO WORRY BECAUSE THIS IS ALL TO COMMON THESE DAYS.
I ALSO WANT TO SAY THANKS FOR LETTING US SEND THESE MESSAGES TO THEM, THE PUBLIC NEEDS TO GRIEVE ALSO.
— BECKY
I BEING THE MOTHER OF TWO SOUTH BEND POLICE OFFICERS CANNOT EXPRESS MY DEEPEST PRAYERS TO THE FAMILYS OF THESE OFFICERS. I PRAY EVERY NIGHT MY SONS COME HOME SAFE TO THERE FAMILYS . SOMETIMES I DON,T THINK PEOPLE UNDERSTAND THAT OFFICERS ARE HUMAN BEINGS THEY ARE NOT TRING TO BE GOD NOR DO THEY WANT TO BE.THEY ARE JUST TRYING TO PROTECT . PLEASE KEEP OUR POLICEMEN SAFE.
— Sherry
Ever since 9/11, our focus has been preventing attacks by terrorists. We have lost enough innocent lives on our streets because of random acts of violence, it's time to re-focus in making our country safe from our OWN citizens. The mass killing at Virginia Tech was horrible and just as horrible was waking up and hearing another officer, who is here to protect and serve, was gunned down. My heart goes out to this family who now has to deal with the aftermath of another senseless killing, that robs them of their loved one and our country of vibrant leaders.
— Randy
Condolences for the family and friends of the officer slain. Too often they put their life on the line,to protect us from harm. Thankfully the other officer wasn't slain also. A big salute to all the law enforcement and fire departments, for all your hard work!
— Tom
I went to school with Nick, he was a year ahead of me but we did have an Accounting class together. I just always remember him smiling and having a good time. I also had his mom for English....reading about this yesterday and hearing it on the radio was surreal. I am so sorry for the loss the family and community is having to deal with and my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
— Bethany
What hurt and sorrow the community has to deal with again.. Sympathy to the families of a fallen HERO!! Prayers are extended to all of the officers that the strength and understanding from above, surround them in the days to come..GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
— Betty & Ronald
It is a shame, but a sign of the times we live in. It seems as though there is a general lack of respect for just about everything.
— Harry
I WOULD LIKE TO SAY WE LIVE IN A WORLD WERE PEOPLE ARE NO LONGER SAFE FROM ANY TYPE OF VIOLENCE. THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO PROTECT US ARE TRUE HEROS AND DESERVE BETTER THAN BEING KILLED BY PEOPLE WHO HAVE NO RESPECT FOR THEMSELVES OR OTHERS. MAY THE GOOD LORD SHINE AND OUR THAT OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS GOES OUT TO HIS FAMILIES AND FRIENDS AND FELLOW OFFICERS. MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU
— Jessie
To the Men and Women of the South Bend Police Department and to the Family and Friends of the Officers who bravely put their lives on the line everyday and night so the citizens of Indiana and South Bend can live a safe and fruitful life my heart goes out to all of you.
You live forever in our hearts and will be immortalized in our minds as HERO’S.
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILYS IN THIS TIME OF NEED.
— Rob and Tammy
A Year and a Day
Just a year and a day
After the tragedy
Another officer
lies dead in the street
Nick Polizzotto
a veteran of nine years
Will now be the recipient
Of prayers and tears
His family to live
with his memory alone
The sense of loss now
so close to home
The officers just left
the vigil for Scott
An emergency call
a gun has been shot
Nick and his partner
arrive at the scene
Nick the veteran
his partner a bit green
A call through the air
exclaimed 'Officer down'
They rushed to the scene
On the street he was found
EMS called his name
Can you hear me, open your eyes
But their training wasn't enough
At the hospital, he died
Our thoughts and prayers
to his entire family
He will remain, like Scott
in our memory
— Amy
4 years ago i was involved in a memorial of 2 mishawaka police officers and last year i was involved in a memorial to a fallen south bend officer and it was tough, not even knowing the officer personally, Nobody understands and knows the pain of a family of friends and officers that bond and trust one another. it truely is sad that another family has to hurt because of something like this. My prayers and thoughts are with their families, friends, and the police department.
Lost But Never Forgotten.
— Shaun
We are saddened as a community to loose a young police officer in the line of duty. This type of senseless act is very disturbing. From all of us at CPI, please extend our heartfelt sympathy to the Pollizzotto and SBPD family.
— Jovan
Nick was a very dedicated police officer, but more than that, he was an amazing person. Nick was the best father, son, brother, uncle and friend a person could ask for. He was kind-hearted, sweet, funny, and loving. Nick is exactly the kind of guy you would want protecting your neighborhood, and his family is incredibly proud of him for this.
Nick will be missed every minute of every day going forward. He loved his son, his family, golf, and playing poker with his buddies. Despite our unspeakable sadness, we can't help but smile when we think back to all of the times we have shared with Nick and will always hold those times close to our hearts. We cannot express enough, our gratitude to our friends, family and the community for the unwaivering support we have recieved in the most difficult hours of our lives.
— Michelle Polizzotto
I just wanted to let the Polizzotto family know my thoughts and prayers are with them. I didn't know Cpl. Polizzotto, but his mom was my English teacher for 2 years at LaSalle. I can't believe that this happened and I am so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and the whole South Bend Police Department. He will never be forgotten.
— Terri class of '93
MY HEART GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY OF OFFICER POLIZZOTTO AND YOU WILL BE IN MY PRAYERS THIS WHOLE TIME YOU ARE GOING THROUGH THIS. I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU TO THE SOUTH BEND POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR PROTECTING THE COMMUNITY..........NOBODY EVERY SAID YOU HAD TO HAVE A BIG RED "S" ON YOUR CHEST, BUT AS FAR AS I AM CONCERN YOU DO. LOSSING A BROTHER IS HARD AND IS NOT EASY TO GET OVER. ALL OF YOU ARE IN MY HEART, THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. I AM SORRY FOR EVERYONES LOSS.
GOD BLESS.
— HEATHER
I would like for the family to know that our thoughts and prayers are with them at this terrible time. and for the police department also. Its become a terrible world and I would like for them to know that there are still people out here who appriciate what they do for the community in RISKING there lives to keep the streets clean for our children. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!
— Kathleen
I feel so bad for all the family left behind.I want you to know my family and I really thank all the officers that risk their life everyday. Lost but never forgotten.....
— Jessica B.
A tear was shed today
for someone I did not know
a tear was shed today
but there's so much pain that we don't show
A tear was shed today
as the cars all followed
a tear was shed today
while the sirens wailed in sorrow
A tear was shed today
while the bugle played so slow
a tear was shed today
while we hung our heads so low
A tear was shed today
as the flag was folded straight
a tear was shed today
how could this have been someone's fate?
A tear was shed this rainy day
for a fallen hero,
oh it didn't have to be this way
a tear was shed today
And there's only one thing I ask
a tear was shed today
oh please Lord let it be the last
— Matt
I would like to let the Family and the South Bend Police Department know that my prayers are with them. when a policeofficer risks their lifes to protect us we all should try to help them in return not kill them. there always here for us when we need help so we all need to help them also MAY GOD BLESS ALL
— John & Debby
“Hey Buddy!” That is how Nick addressed his friends whenever he saw them. I know this because he was my friend and neighbor. I would see and talk with Nick on a daily basis. As a great friend Nick was a very kind, respectful, and tender hearted person that would do anything and everything he could for those he cared about.
This morning was no different from any other morning when the news makes mention of an officer being shot. The first thing my wife and I would do is look out our window to make sure Nick’s squad car was home. If the squad car was not out front we would worry and give Nick a call on his cell phone, which he always answered, “Hey buddy, I’m okay.” as he new my wife and I would be checking up on him concerned for his safety and wellbeing. Today, my wife called a couple times and we did not hear that deep voice say “Hey buddy!” Moments later the news went to breaking news and named the officer shot as we hoped and prayed that our buddies name would not be next. However, today was different and our hearts sunk.
May your family, friends, and neighbors remember you forever as we shall never forget you and how you watched over us each and everyday of our lives.
For all of us you were always on duty.
“Take care buddy…”
— Love, your neighbor Jeff, Cassie, Joey, & Caitlyn
I believe we all need to show our support for our police officers, however, leaving an unattended candle on the front porch, as suggested by your station, is an accident waiting to happen. There must be a better way of letting our officers know that we truly care about them. Perhaps blue ribbons, a blue light bulb or car lights left on the day of the officers death.
God bless all of them.
— Judi
Thank you for letting us write to you of this horrible horrible time again in this City. Condolences to the family, and also the extended family of the South Bend Police Department. This is just so sad, indeed. SOUTH BEND, WHAT IS GOING ON ?? THESE FINE OFFICERS ARE TRYING TO PROTECT US AND THIS HAPPENS, AGAIN AND AGAIN.
WE ALSO HAVE A SON IN LAW ON THE SOUTH BEND POLICE DEPARTMENT, GOD BLESS THEM AND KEEP THEM SAFE AT ALL TIMES.
— MARY ANN AND RON AND FAMILY
MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO ALL OF THE POLICE OFFICERS, IN SOUTH BEND,TO THE FAMILIES, IT IS SAD TO SEE ANY LIFE LOST, WE AS A COMMUNITY HAVE GOT TO COME TOGETHER, TO PRAY, AND CONTINUALLY HELP EACH OTHER.
— VANESSA
I would to extend my heartfelt sympathy to the family of Cpl Nick Polizzotto. And i would like to let the South Bend Police Department know that my prayers are with them. I know all to well what Polizzotto family is going through. My brother was Cpl Tom Roberts who EOW was Dec 13th 2003. In this most difficult times my thoughts and prayers are with there familys. God Bless
— Gary
This is a sad day for our city, to lose another dedicated police officer. My thoughts and prayers are with the
South Bend Police Department and the family and friends of Officer Polizzotto.
— Melanie
My thoughts and prayers go out not only to the family of the fallen officer but to the entire department. With all this violence these days, it's hard to encourage my teenage son who plans on being an officer. He's part of the Explorer Program with the SBPD, and last year's death and again this one this morning effects him at age 15. He understands the risks of that occupation yet his goals are stead fast, partly due to the officers that work with the Explorer Program.
— Brenda
I think it is very very sad that this had to happen, let alone a year after Scott. People have no right to take another persons life, Especially an Police Officer! My prayers go out to the family and friends of Nick Polizzotto.
— Dustin
NOT ONLY YOUR CITY IS SAD WE ALL FEEL YOUR PAIN! GOD BLESS IS LOVE ONES!
— RUTH
Our prayers go out to the police officer that was killed in the line of duty. It seems to me we didn't have all these killings when we could pray when or where we wanted. I pray for the safety of the other officers everywhere.
— Bonnie
I really feel bad about the police officer who was shot and killed in the line of duty.
It is a very dangerous job to be a police officer.
God bless and be with his family.
The area the two policemen were in is such a dangerous neighborhood.
I know two police officers in Elkhart County since they were babies and I would feel so bad if anything happened to them.
— Shirley
Even though I haven't been a police officer for many years, it still is painful when you hear of this happening. Even though I did not know either officer, it still hurts deep. My prayers go out to both families of Nick Polizzotto and Patrolman Michael Norby and also to Scott Severns family.
Sincerly,
— Jim, Former Michigan Officer
It was with deepest sorrow that I learned of the officer's death this morning. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and with the area police departments. It affects us all.
We are all indebted to these officers for all they do every day.
Thank you.
— Linda
One of the comments by an e-mailer stated they just can't understand "Why" that such a thing would happen. I think instead of asking "why" we should be asking "What". "What" can we do as citizens to stop this heinous activity by these thugs who have no regard for human life.
Let's ask ourselves "what" we can do. Eventually... maybe we won't have to ask "why" anymore.
— Eileen and Hal
My entire family feels for all the officers and their families. I personally have two cousins that wear the shield here in Northern Indiana, plus went to school with two others who serve their community. Every single time I hear of an officer down, our family immediately prays and supports those brave men and women who are out there protecting those who do and those who do not deserve protection. I agree that it is time to take back our city streets, but we also need to take back our homes. If people has homes and family to come home to maybe they wouldn't feel the need to live in motels and spend time in bars.
— Tina
I am so sorry to see we have lost yet another member of our police force. This time, it really hits home, that so many of our finest have died in just a short time. Both my son and daughter went to school at Christ The King School with Nick and his sister. Although it has been many yearrs since my children were at Christ The King, our family is very saddened. How and when are we going to be able to stop all the killing. We need to pray in order to find a way. God Bless all of the Pollizatto family.
— Connie
my father is a retired police officer and i know first hand how dangerous and stressful their job is. my heart and prayers go out to the families of these officers. will there ever be a day we can turn the news on and not learn of someone being killed by these random acts of senseless murder?
— PJ
I was so shocked when I woke this morning to hear the awful news. I live in Elkhart but work in South Bend and as I drove home from work and seen the officers car out front in tribute it made me very sad for his family the South Bend Police dept and the community.. God help us all
My Prayers,
— Jennifer
It’s a sad day when any one dies, but when the men/women who chose to protect us, are taken from us, it just touches my heart. They don’t get paid enough to go out on the streets and put their lives in dangers for people that don’t even know. My deepest sympathy goes to the department and the families of these officers.
— Tracy
I only hope that it does not take these incidents to prove to us the risk these officers take. As a long time scanner listener I know that they face situations on a daily basis that would terrify most of us. It is also amazing that their pay is not really as high as you would think given these risks that they accept in order to keep all of us safe.
— Bruce
We have lost another member of the Law Enforcement family and a fellow LaSalle alum, Cpl. Nick S. Polizzotto.
Another angel has ascended to heaven, some may say too early others may say he called home when he was needed there.
When events like this happen it causes us to look back on our life and think of those who have passed before, family, friends, co-workers. The memories flood our mind of good times, and bad, of happiness and sorrow. We are reminded of them by certain songs, sights and smells, we are reminded of the last time we saw them talked to them, thought of calling them. We think of how they changed over the years, how much they grew and matured.
It has happened before, and we unfortunately we knew it would happen again. We turn to the future and think of what life will be like without them. We think of the upcoming holidays, and how they will be different, and ultimately how our lives will be different without them.
Then we realize that only the physical person has left us.
We may never be able to talk to them, hold them, hug them, or touch them physically ever again, but they have not really left us. They are in fact still around us even at this time of grieving. They are alive in our minds, and our hearts, they are with us. They are alive in our memories, whenever we think of them. They never really pass on totally they stay on with us each of us.
Their physical bodies limited them to being only in one place at a time, but now they are with each of us no matter where we are, no matter what time it is.
They are with us always, and that is a fact we must remember always.
— Chris
How sad to hear the news this morning. My thoughts and prayers go to the families of the fallen officer. He died doing his job and did not deserve this. He will be rewarded in heaven.
— Laura
My heartfelt sympathy to Cpl Polizotto's family and to the men and women of the SBPD. I am certain that God holds a special place in Heaven for those good and brave policemen who die much too young, in willing service of the people they have sworn to protect.
What a sad story, Ptl Norby, to find that you were safer on the roads of Iraq than on the streets of South Bend. God Bless You.
It is time that we stop talking, hiding inside our homes, and take action to take back our city. Mayor? Councilmen? Officers of the Police? What can I do?
— Karen
I am from that area of South Bend and I am most interested in this killer’s history. I want us all to know if the system failed to keep him off of the streets if that is the case. The Police are there in very difficult circumstances. My deepest regrets go out the family.
— Wally
May God be with everyone who's lives are touched by a police officer. This is a very sad day to everyone. To get up everyday and put your life on the line for such little pay takes a VERY special person. My heart pours out to his family, along with every police officer!! Should of, would of will not bring back what has happened today in our community. It is just heart sicking on what has happened. My prayers go out ! god bless
— Kristi
i was driving to work this morning heard of this tragedy.. and im wondering when does this stop? my thoughts go out to the friends and family and of course the south bend police dept. thanks
— craig
How sad to get up this morning to the news of losing another officer in the line of duty. I then open my paper to read a caption above the photo for the candlelight vigil for Scott Severns. Lt. Scott Ruszkowski was quoted, "Let's hope we never have to pray for another fallen officer again." I can't imagine how Lt Ruszkowski feels after making that statement. My heart goes out to all the South Bend officers and their families.
God Bless Nick. You are now with Tom, Bryan, Scott and all the other police officer angels who keep watch over us all.
— Kris
Mother of a Mishawaka Police Officer
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with the Family and Friends of both Officers. We Pray that Officer Polizzotto is at Peace in Heaven and that Officer Norby recovers completely, with as little pain as possible, quickly, as well as mentally.
We Pray the Family and Friends get through these sad days together with each other in their hearts.
God Bless you all!
— The Disbrow Family
(and Fellow Officer)
I think it's horrible, it's such a tragedy. I keep hearing the words Tom Fautz said last night at Scott Severns vigil that we hope we don’t have to pray for another fallen officer and then in just a matter of hours another officer has passed. My prayers and thoughts are with their families, friends, and the police department.
— Kelly
How sad when someone risks their life to protect us and this is how they are rewarded. My heartfelt sorry is with the families of the officers.
— Jean
It is not near enough to say our thoughts and prayers go out to these 2 officers’ families.
It is not near enough to pay our tribute to these men and women who serve and protect.
It is not near enough to shed tears over yet another senseless and untimely death.
Yes, we will stand by these families and loved ones in prayer, we will hold them up in thought word and deed. But it will never be enough, not until we can take control of the violence in our streets and be able to rest easy at night without fear that the tomorrows of our lives will bring more horrible news and tears to shed.
Sod Bless these families and fellow officers,
— Susan
Another sad day for the City of South Bend.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and also his police family. Makes you wonder.....
Why????
— Sherri
A policeman lost his life today;
Evil came and took him away.
We scream and cry and ask God WHY!
Now, once again, we must say goodbye.
..............
This is just a couple lines of a poem I wrote after Tom & Bryan were killed in December 2003. As the mom of an officer, we worry. But as a family who believes there is more to life than what we see here on earth, we know you are in Gods hands.
Rest in the peace Nick. I know Tom Roberts, Bryan Verkler and Scott Severns met you on your journey to heaven and we have many special police angels watching over us.
— Kris
4 years ago I was involved in a memorial of 2 Mishawaka police officers and last year I was involved in a memorial to a fallen South Bend officer and it was tough, not even knowing the officer personally.
Nobody understands and knows the pain of a family of friends and officers that bond and trust one another. It truly is sad that another family has to hurt because of something like this. My prayers and thoughts are with their families, friends, and the police department.
Lost But Never Forgotten.
— Shaun W.
Police officers have a dangerous and unappreciated job! We all judge them when they screw up, but we never appreciate the crap that they have to deal with every day. They never know when a call is going to spiral out of control. How many of us have to worry about coming home alive after a days work? It is too bad our police cannot get paid what our politicians get paid. What risk do they ever take? Please remember these guys in you're thoughts and prayers!
— Mick Chamberlain
To the Men and Women of the South Bend Police Department and to the Family and Friends of the Officers who bravely put their lives on the line everyday and night so the citizens of Indiana and South Bend can live a safe and fruitful life my heart goes out to all of you.
You live forever in our hearts and will be immortalized in our minds as HERO’S.
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILYS IN THIS TIME OF NEED.
— Rob and Tammy
To include your opinion, click here or visit our Question of the Day.
Leave a reflection for Cpl. Nick Polizzotto on the Officer Down Memorial Page.
