Mangano: Slain cop a 'true humanitarian'

Geoffrey J. Breitkopf was in the business of saving lives.

He risked his life for others, whether as a police officer in special operations or during 14 years volunteering as a Selden firefighter. One time nearly 11 years ago he and three other Nassau police officers rushed into a burning Plandome Manor home unprotected to save a resident.

"He just had that in him," said Selden Fire Department Chief Anthony Ryan. "He definitely liked the excitement. He definitely loved his job."

Breitkopf, 40, a husband, father of two and police officer for 12 years, was shot dead Saturday night by a Metropolitan Transportation Authority police officer in Massapequa Park, where a man armed with knives was shot by police minutes earlier.

He joined the Nassau Police Department's Bureau of Special Operations in 2003. So dedicated was he to the unit that he had the letters "BSO" tattooed on his chest amid the shield of St. Michael, the patron saint of police.

"He just loved it," said James Carver, president of the slain officer's union, the Nassau Police Benevolent Association.

Breitkopf was a decorated member of the BSO and was a member of Selden's heavy rescue company, which handles search and rescue, house fires and extricating people from cars. BSO handles high-stress incidents, such as hostage cases.

Breitkopf had rocketed up the ranks, joining the BSO in five years - about half the standard 10 years of hard work.

"That's almost unheard of," said Officer Steven Paul, a friend and BSO colleague who knew Breitkopf since police academy in 1998.

"This is obviously a tragedy of immense proportions for all of us," Nassau Police Commissioner Lawrence Mulvey said at police headquarters in Mineola. He said Breitkopf had earned five commendations, four meritorious service awards and a medal of commendation.

"He was doing what he does best, and that's protecting the people of Nassau County," Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano told reporters, calling him "a true humanitarian."

Firefighters and officers said they were distraught at the death of a colleague admired for exemplary work in both Long Island counties and two demanding disciplines. At the Selden firehouse, two purple-and-black buntings hung from the Woodmere Place building's facade.

Neighbors described Breitkopf as a family man who always helped others and made an impact on the block in Selden.

Neighbors Michael and Judy Keane said the Breitkopfs brought life to the block when they moved in as one of the younger families on the street.

"We saw them. Knew they got married. They had the first baby, then the second," said Judy Keane, 61. "He was just a great family man. I used to watch him play T-ball in the front yard with the kids."

Sunday, a stream of police officers and Selden firefighters, stopped by the Breitkopf household. Suffolk police closed off the block.

Breitkopf's interests extended beyond either job. He was a doting father, his friend Paul said.

Paul became emotional Sunday while talking about Breitkopf's two young sons, Connor and Owen, ages 6 and 3. A photo of one boy with his father was hanging in front of a fire engine.

"That's all he loved right there," Paul said of his friend's children and service. "That's all any father can look for."

With Tania Lopez, Patrick Whittle and Alfonso Castillo