Sense of Pride, Uncertainty Following Bin Laden's Death

Pure joy.

That was the emotion running through Baltimore County Police Capt. Mike DiPaula as he and his family watched the news Sunday night that revealed Osama bin Laden had been shot and killed.

DiPaula, who heads the Essex Precinct, said he could not be prouder to be an American after learning a team of Navy SEALS finally took care of bin Laden in his Pakistan compound almost 10 years after he masterminded the Sept. 11, 2011 terrorist attack.

The attacks, in which 19 terrorists hijacked four planes, killed nearly 3,000 people in New York City, Washington, D.C. and Shanksville, PA. Two planes crashed into the World Trade Center in New York, one crashed into the Pentagon and a fourth crashed in Shanksville after the passengers and crew fought off the terrorist.

Among the dead were 343 firefighters and 60 police officers that responded to the World Trade Center before both towers collapsed.

“We lost so many people that day,” DiPaula said. “Bin Laden was pure evil and I’m glad he’s gone. We cut off a huge head of the snake in the war on terror, but I’m frustrated because I know another will likely grow back. This war doesn’t include a traditional enemy or country. It’s a small group of radicals with subsets of terrorists around the world.”

That sense of pride and uncertainty of the future of the nearly decade-long “War on Terror” was consistent throughout the Baltimore County Police and Fire Departments. Those who pledged to serve and protect took time to reflect on bin Laden's death and what it means to the country.

Sunday’s news also allowed them to once again remember how precious life is while paying tribute to those who lost their lives trying to save others that infamous September morning.

“I just remember looking at those towers falling and thinking ‘a lot of firefighters’ just lost their lives,” said Baltimore County Fire Department Battalion Chief Kyrle Preis III. “It made me think about what we do and how we can take our lives and family for granted when we could lose either in an instant.”

Baltimore County Fire Department Chief John Hohman shared a similar view following the unveiling of $1.8 million of new equipment at the Fire Academy in Sparrows Point.

“We have reason to be proud as Americans,” Hohman said. “We can never forget all of those that lost their lives, including the 343 firefighters that made the ultimate sacrifice.”

However, like DiPaula, Hohman and others stress that while bin Laden’s death helps close a dark chapter in American history, it does not mean the end of terrorism in the world.

“We have to continue to be vigilant and remember we have a duty to serve and protect the citizens of this country,” Baltimore County Division Chief Michael Robinson said.

Public affairs officer Lt. Col Charles S. Kohler noted that the Maryland National Guard, including the Maryland Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 175th Infantry Regiment headquartered in Dundalk, has served overseas in nearly every major American conflict, including the fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq following the Sept. 11, 2001 attack on U.S. soil.

Monday morning he said all those involved with the U.S. military and counterterrorism efforts surely felt a “great sense of accomplishment” after President Barack Obama’s announcement that Osama bin Laden had been located and killed.

“That our special ops guys were able to achieve this is a great success,” Kohler said. However, he also added that in the immediate aftermath of bin Laden's killing, there may be an increased threat of terrorist attacks against U.S. troops abroad. “I’m sure they are cautiously optimistic today. But they are going to be vigilant as well on their job.”

Maryland Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 175th Infantry Regiment is currently en route to Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula to help enforce the Camp David peace accords.

Del. Joseph “Sonny” Minnick expressed similar feelings of exhilaration at bin Laden’s demise—and concern over possible repercussions.

“It could be the best thing that ever happened to this country or it could be the worst thing that ever happened to this country,” Minnick said. “Maybe the terrorists have plans in the books right now. It could be a very difficult time for this country.”

Del. John A. Olszewski Jr. said bin Laden’s killing “marks the partial closing of the chapter of our nation's history that began on 9/11, a day like today that will be on our country’s hearts and minds forever.”

“While the fight against terror continues,” Olszewski said, “I want to commend our brave armed forces for their efforts to protect our freedoms and put an end to the hatred and terror people like Osama bin Laden stood for.”

U.S. Rep. C.A. "Dutch" Ruppersberger, the ranking Member on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement Monday about the killing of bin Laden:

“Osama bin Laden was a terrorist leader who was responsible for killing thousands of innocent Americans—moms, dads, brothers, sisters, friends and loved ones. 9/11 changed America forever. 

"Today, the United States took extraordinary steps and killed al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden. This is a great day for America. Bin Laden was a threat to the United States and a threat to the world. Bin Laden had the blood of thousands of people on his hands. Justice has now been done.  

"The military and intelligence professionals who risk their lives every day to track terrorists like bin Laden deserve our praise. They have been working tirelessly for a long time tracking this ruthless terrorist, never taking their eye off the ball. A grateful nation says thank you.”