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Dr. Bruce Dixon seemed to have a lot left to give
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I am writing in response to the news about Dr. Bruce Dixon's death ("County Health Leader Had Personal Touch," Feb. 21).
I never met Dr. Dixon or saw him speak anywhere. But when Dr. Dixon offered advice either via the radio or a newspaper article, I listened. Dr. Dixon seemed to be part of a vanishing breed of dedicated civil servants who are conscientious, hard-working and enjoy their work. He seemed to love his work in an antiquated and underfunded system at the Allegheny County Health Department and seemed to do as well as he could under the circumstances.
I was concerned last year when he was pushed out of his position as head of the Health Department. I feel that the push was due mainly to his age. Although there were reasons given, like a lack of modernization of the Health Department, I feel that Dr. Dixon had many years of service left to give there.
As a baby boomer myself, I was surprised to read that Dr. Dixon was only 74 years of age at the time of his death. Society needs to "move the fence" when evaluating persons over the age of 55. We have many more years of work in us and should be allowed to work till we drop, so to speak, if we are physically capable. I don't know ... but it seems that Dr. Dixon could have worked past last year's push out the door.
Dr. Dixon, rest in peace. Thank you for caring about the citizens of Allegheny County. You did well!
CARMELLA PUCCI
Duquesne
First Published February 24, 2013 12:00 am
