Dissatisfied With Coverage

To the Editor,

On behalf of the members of United Fire Company of Botsford, we would like to express our disappointment at the lack of respect given toward the passing of George Powell Jr. George served our community for 49 years as a volunteer member at Sandy Hook Fire and Rescue Company. With his courage and dedication he was on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The sacrifices all Newtown emergency service volunteers like George make are countless, whether it means missing a loved one’’s birthday party or running out during a major snowstorm; we are always ready to help the community.

After reading last week’s Newtown Bee, we were amazed that George Powell Jr’s passing was placed on the 14th page. Meanwhile a woman walking her dog and the pasta project article was considered the top news landing on the front page. It is truly a shame a volunteer member of our community was not given proper honor or recognition for all he’s done. We hope in the future, the front page is dedicated to the stories we need to read instead of being lost on the 14th page.

Sincerely,

Jay Nezvesky

On behalf of The Members at United Fire Company of Botsford

Botsford                                                                            March 16, 2005

(Editor’s note: A full obituary for Mr Powell, with photo, appeared in the lead position on the obituary page, page 3, in the March 4 edition of The Newtown Bee. Additionally, The Bee sent a photographer to cover the procession by fire truck of Mr Powell’s coffin from Honan’s Funeral Home on Main Street to services at St Rose Church on Church Hill Road, which is the coverage in our March 11 edition referred to in the above letter.)