VIDEO: New York Officer Shot, Killed in Foot Pursuit

Rochester (N.Y.) PD Officer Daryl R. Pierson — 32, and an eight-year veteran with the RPD and father of two small children — was shot and killed Wednesday during an exchange of gunfire between police and a man officers were pursuing, reports the Democrat & Chronicle .

An Army veteran and a father to a 4-year-old and a 3-month-old, Pierson was a calming and steady member of a tight-knit unit charged with dealing with some of the department's most chaotic and dangerous situations.

"He was an outstanding officer, he is known for great work on the street, and he gave his life for the Rochester community last night, trying to take a dangerous person off the street," said Lt. Gov. Robert J. Duffy, former police chief and mayor of Rochester. "Officer Pierson's family was basically destroyed by that suspect's bullet."

Rochester police Chief Michael Ciminelli said Thursday that Pierson's partner, Michael DiPaola, fired at, wounded and apprehended the suspect, who police sources identified as Thomas Johnson III.