Tony, Your friends at the the Sheriff's Office have you in our thoughts and prayers. Continue to fight the good fight and we'll see you back on the job soon. God Bless.

Why is there even a debate about whether this man is a hero? He signed on to become a police officer and served with dignity. He put his life in danger to keep residents safe. He has made a miraculous recovery against all odds. I do not pray, but for those who do: I am sure that Officer DiPonzio and his family appreciate it.

obummer, I think I now know what one of your favorite phrases is.

Well, I do have to agree with George on one point; a gun and a badge do not make you a hero. I would also have to agree with him about the “prayers are with you” statements, they are empty and annoying.

George. You are sick! Anthony, along with the many men and women who fight; fight to keep our country safe, who severe to protect people in my mind, and in many others minds are considered heros!!! He served to protect even ignorant people like YOU! We are not praying for him over a news website...have you not read them carefully enough!!! we are simply stating he is in our prayers, (personal prayers). No one has yet to bust out a hail marry on the website so relax! alright! your battle is a lost cause. so stop trying to educate people on what a prayer is. And besides, you just contradicted your own previous statement...

Prayer “a spoken or unspoken address to God, a deity, or a saint. It may express praise, thanksgiving, confession, or a request for something such as help or somebody's well-being.” A “prayer” posted on a news blog is a meaningless attempt at self gratification. For a real person of faith a prayer is between the individual and God, and does has no place being advertised. Explain to me at which point I set forth rules regulating who or what you should pray for? Because I’m not seeing that. What I did indicate is that there is a time and place for prayer, and a news blog is not one of them.

It should be GoodbyeGeorge. Too bad there is not an ignore function for folks like this. Some people believe in the power of prayer - why should you give a flying frog's a$$ whom they pray for. You must be an athiest George. Get bent.

And why do people feel the need to send their prayers out to people on a news web site? Does that make you feel better, or does it make you feel like you are helping in some way, because you’re not? You’re attempting to make yourself feel better for doing nothing by spreading empty words.

I have a lot of sympathy for Anthony, because what happened to him was a real tragedy, and the little punk who did it should fry for it. At the same time I have to ask, why is he a hero? He was shot, terrible, but simple, he was shot. He was walking back to his car when it happened. Just because he was on duty, or because he was a police officer it does not make him a hero. I think we pass that title around a little too loosely these days.

God bless you Anthony! You are a true hero and an inspiration to all. Keep your spirits high. You have touched the hearts of everyone.