Big-hearted New Yorkers and people from across the country have raised an incredible $2 million for the four daughters of slain NYPD Detective Peter Figoski.
“That’s extraordinary!” said Christine Figoski, the hero cop’s 19-year-old daughter, as the Peter Figoski Scholarship Fund’s final tally hit $2,076,065 last night.
“I don’t know how to say ‘thank you’ to everyone who’s donated. I can’t believe everyone’s generosity and support.
“Not only are we thankful, but it shows how everyone realizes that my father was a great father, a great cop and a great man,” said the SUNY Oneonta undergrad, whose dad was gunned down by a thug fleeing a Brooklyn home invasion on Dec. 12.
“He was a hero, and now so many people are aware that he is a hero.”
The New York Post and the New York Police Foundation launched the fund to help pay for the higher education of Figoski’s daughters: Christine; Caitlyn, 18, a SUNY Plattsburgh undergrad; and Caroline, 16, and Corinne, 14, high-school students in West Babylon, LI.
Post Editor-in-Chief Col Allan said, “We are not surprised the Figoski Fund reached $2 million, because the world’s greatest city is occupied by the world’s finest and most generous people.”
Police Commissioner Ray Kelly added, “The remarkable generosity of New York Post readers and Police Foundation supporters is a tangible tribute to Peter Figoski’s courage and commitment to the NYPD and the community at large.”
And Mayor Bloomberg said, “Peter Figoski died standing up to criminals to protect New Yorkers. I want to congratulate and thank The Post and its readers for standing up to protect the Figoski family in such an extraordinarily generous way.”
The fund got a boost last night from Fairway Market, which donated $20,000 raised during seven hours of sales at its supermarket locations in Red Hook, Brooklyn, Douglaston, Queens, and Plainview, LI.
“We’d like to thank all of our customers for participating,” said Dan Glickberg, Fairway’s Executive Vice President.
Jennifer Kellogg, 40, of Brooklyn, dropped $584 on groceries at the Red Hook store.
“I’m excited to help out. These girls have to go to college!” Kellogg said, stretching out her long receipt. “Go Figoski daughters!”
Vikram Pandit, CEO of Citi, said of that milestone being topped in less than a month, “The ability of the New York Post to raise these funds for Officer Figoski’s daughters demonstrates the deep appreciation New Yorkers have for our selfless police officers. As a proud supporter of both the Police Foundation and the New York Police & Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund, Citi is honored to be part of this effort.”
And Councilman Eric Dilan, whose Brooklyn district includes the Cypress Hills area where Figoski was killed, said the huge fund tally “is great.”
“It shows that New Yorkers always come together in time of crisis and show respect for all who serve in uniform.”
“I want to go on record publicly thanking your editors and your bosses for coming up with this initiative,” Dilan said.
State Sen. Martin Malave Dilan, whose district also includes the slay scene, said:
“This kind of support shows that our city and communities aren’t defined by the heinous acts of a few, but rather the outpouring of support for a fallen officer’s family. I’m glad to see some good come of this tragedy, especially for the children of Officer Figoski.”
Fairway shoppers agreed yesterday as they chipped into the fund with their purchases.
Elizabeth Napier, 48, of Prospect Heights knew about the fund-raiser even before she heard a loudspeaker announcement that thanked customers for helping out.
“This is the most I’ve ever bought here, I’m really happy to help,” she said after spending $290.98. “It’s super tragic that this happened. I think this fund-aiser is a great idea.”
Mike Takis, 38, of Bay Ridge, who dropped $104 at Fairway, said“It feels good to help the girls out right after the holidays.
“I can’t believe it happened,” Takis said of Figoski’s death. “God bless those girls.”
Fairway’s Vice President of Marketing, Jackie Donovan, waited at the entrance to encourage shoppers to help as much as they could.
“We’re honoring a hero who died in the line of duty,” Donovan said. “The goal is to bring attention to the New York Police.