This was a time to turn out for true heroes

Regarding the procession to honor the three police officers who were killed last Saturday:

A co-worker asked, "Are you going out to the motorcade today?" I said, "I stood out in the cold for the Steelers, I think I can go out there for these guys." There were plenty who felt the need, the obligation, to stand out on Grant Street on Thursday, and, yet, I was disappointed.

Where were the rest of you? A few months ago we stood six, eight, 10 deep on the same street to applaud our football players. There was no problem finding a place to stand for this week's procession. There were crowds closer to the City-County Building, but the line was thin heading toward the Martin Luther King Jr. Busway.

They came by on motorcycles, in cars, SUVs, buses and three hearses. We don't know them for their ability to throw, catch or bat a ball. Their salaries don't approach seven figures. We seldom give them credit for what they do right but have no problem pointing out when something goes wrong. They don't expect personal recognition. In fact, three had to be killed trying to protect the rest of us for us to learn their names. Right now, their fellow officers mourn but continue to patrol our streets, doing what they can for the rest of us. These are heroes.

When the Steelers, Penguins or Pirates bring home another championship, I'll be there cheering along with everyone else. However, this moment was for these other heroes of a less glamorous home team. We were there to honor those who gave their all, to share the sorrow of their families and to recognize those who carry on. There was room for all of you who stood beside us at the parade of champions in February. Sorry that you couldn't make it this time. Let's hope there won't be another chance like this one.

So, what traits define a hero to you?

STEVEN BUCCI
Penn Hills

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Galling accusations

As I sat and watched one more news report about the three fallen police officers, my heart was heavy with sorrow for these officers and their families ("Deadly Ambush Claims the Lives of 3 City Police Officers," April 5). As I listened further to the comments and antics of the shooter's family, my sorrow turned to anger.

Margaret Poplawski, Richard Poplawski's mother, initiated a call for help. She expected police officers to show up at her home and handle a situation that she herself could not handle with her own flesh and blood.

Three perfect strangers, who did not know her or her son, were willing to come to her home to help.

And now comes all the accusations ("Poplawski's Family Complains About Treatment, Missing Wallet," April 7). Even a dispatcher is taking partial blame for not reporting possible weapons in the home.

Yet the full blame and responsibility lies with the man who picked up not one weapon, but numerous weapons, and equipped himself with protective armor. He seemed to know before those officers arrived what his plans were.

We have become a society where it is acceptable to have many, many excuses for the wrongful things we do. We run from the police when doing wrong and being chased. We try to run them down, ram their cars, shoot at them, spit on them. As soon as that officer turns and fights back trying to protect himself or fellow officers, we have an attorney on speed dial. I wonder whom the families of the fallen police officers can sue.

My prayers and thoughts are with the officers and their families. May someday your hearts not be as heavy, and your memories of your loved one give you peace

DONNA M. HERMAN
Beechview

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How dare they

I am absolutely disgusted by what I have read ("Poplawski's Family Complains About Treatment, Missing Wallet," April 7). How dare they open their mouths to utter complaints against the very people who responded to their call for help? Three men dead at the hands of Richard Poplawski, and his family has grievances!

Margaret Poplawski never had to wonder if the police would come to her aid. She made a call for help, and unfortunately the Pittsburgh police responded. The fact that her son is alive speaks to the professionalism of the Pittsburgh police. Their integrity and character were tested a million different ways on that fateful day and they rose to the occasion each and every time.

The idea of granting the Poplawski family an audience for any complaint is ludicrous, impertinent and reprehensible. They should have their heads hung low and hearts too heavy to speak. Unless they wish to convey their genuine sorrow and profound remorse or to praise the police (for their restraint) that spared their loved one, however vile and undeserving he is, the Poplawski family should keep their mouths shut.

As for the rest of us, let's put our energy into supporting the families of Pittsburgh's three "guardian angels."

KELLY C. PRILLA
Pine

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Media, ignore them

Am I alone at being outraged after reading the story "Poplawski's Family Complains About Treatment, Missing Wallet" (April 7)? I think not. A member of their immediate family is accused of murdering three Pittsburgh police officers and they are making public complaints about their minor inconveniences?

They are complaining about how they are being treated and the treatment of their accused family member? They are making wild accusations and placing blame on the police (whom they called in the start)? They should be hiding their heads in lifelong shame. The media should be ignoring them forever.

We should be revising some laws.

JIM HOAK
Indiana Township

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Not a Marine

What a horrible massacre in Stanton Heights. Our hearts go out to the families of the fallen police officers and all officers who selflessly serve the community each and every day. We pray for them all and hope that they may find peace.

In countless news reports, Richard Poplawski is referred to as a former Marine. Mr. Poplawski was not a Marine. He never made it out of boot camp because he assaulted a drill sergeant, according to what his mother told police.

By referring to him as a Marine, it slaps the faces of true Marines everywhere living and dead. My husband, Andy, is a Marine who served his country in Vietnam. Officer Eric Kelly was a Marine. He showed what kind of caliber it takes to be a Marine by going to the scene of a domestic dispute when he wasn't even on duty. He tried to help in that horrible situation and assist his fellow officers. He called on his radio while wounded to try to get aid to his fallen comrades. He is a hero.

All the officers are heroes. Mr. Poplawski is a coward. Make the distinction.

CINDY and ANDY TOTH
Hazelwood

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