Reaction to the news of Osama bin Laden’s death by veterans and first responders was one of joy and caution.

Though they are happy to see another terrorist leader out of the mix, they also warn that there are many others waiting to take his place.

Army veteran and American Legion Post 20 past commander Jesse Sanchez said he is thrilled, but understands the fight will continue.

“This is one of the greatest things that has happened here in a long time,” he said. “I wish it would put an end to everything that has gone on, but I’m afraid there are just too many people out there looking to make a name for themselves just like him.”

The news was satisfying to Selma Chief of Police William T. Riley on two counts. As a member of the law enforcement community and as a veteran himself, Riley, who served with the Navy, said he had a feeling big news involving the terrorist leader was coming. “I was watching with my wife and I told her ‘I bet this has something to do with bin Laden,” he said. “When it finally came over, it was certainly good news. That’s one chapter of the book closed. We still have to deal with terrorists, but at least his chapter of the book is closed on this Earth.”

Riley said he would always remember when Sunday’s news came through, just as he has held on to the memory of Sept. 11.

“I remember the day it happened well because I was activated 10 days later,” he said. “I had actually just gotten back from drill and gone back to work when we heard the news.”

Like Sanchez, Riley said he realizes this could only be the beginning.

“I briefed our guys this morning and told them even though he is dead we still have to deal with the rest of the terrorists and be on the lookout,” he said. “There could be backlash so we have to be on guard.”

Sanchez said all of the men who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001 and in pursuit of bin Laden realize their lives are on the line every day. However, he said, it does not change their dedication.

“We all realize we are here to help keep our country safe by whatever means we can with what we are given,” he said. “I certainly hope we never lose the pride that we have fought so hard to keep for so many years and always stand ready.”

Bin Laden, who was killed by Navy SEALs in an intense firefight, was hunted down based on information first gleaned years ago from detainees at secret CIA prison sites in Eastern Europe, officials disclosed Monday. The U.S. said a DNA match proved the man behind the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, was dead, and millions of Americans rejoiced.

After the gunfire, U.S. forces swept bin Laden’s fortified compound in Pakistan and left with a trove of hard drives, DVDs and other documents that officials said the CIA was already poring over. The hope: clues leading to his presumed successor, al-Qaida No. 2 Ayman al-Zawahiri.

“The world is safer. It is a better place because of the death of Osama bin Laden,” declared President Barack Obama, hours after U.S. forces killed the al-Qaida leader. They then ferried the body out for a quick burial at sea.

– The Associated Press contributed to this report