Mansfield Officials' Reactions to Bin Laden's Death

President Obama's announcement of the killing Osama Bin Laden Sunday night brought praise for the Navy Seals involved in the operation and the hope that it makes the soldiers' lives safer.

John Hogan, Mansfield's Veterans’ Agent and Director of Veteran Services, said he is unsure on how Bin Laden’s death will affect current foreign conflicts.

“Basically, I  don’t think anything has changed,” Hogan said. “But I’m glad he’s been removed from the scene.

“Time will tell,” as to whether Bin Laden’s death will lessen or increase the dangers that U.S. troops currently deployed overseas face on a daily basis.

Mansfield Fire Chief Neal Boldrighini said that he thinks that if Bin Laden's death helps save American lives overseas, than it was definitely worth it.

"I hope this keeps some of our young guys out of harm's way," he said. "If it saves a few servicemen's lives, than I think it's a good thing."

Treasurer for the Mansfield Republican Town Committee Richard D'Onofrio said that this is still a great accomplishment for the country as a whole.

"[President Obama] deserves great credit for this act of courage and bravery, and should be recognized by all, regardless of political orientation, for his willingness to learn from history the value of not repeating its mistakes," D'Onofrio said in an email. "While the taking of human life, in any circumstance, is not something that should be done without just cause and needs to be firmly rooted in the firm conviction that it is done for the benefit of mankind, there does come a time when one must recognize evil for what it is and take appropriate steps to eradicate it."

Secretary of the Mansfield Republican Town Committee Keith Ninesling added that he wants to thank the men and women of the U.S. armed forces, particularly the 24 Navy SEALS and the Intelligence Officers that made it happen.

"So long as we have people like them in this country, I know we will remain the best country on Earth," he said.