Letter to the Editor

Hartford Courant (Connecticut)
August 3, 2009

Friday morning, I woke to three good-natured e-mails from Yankee fans. Now that Red Sox player David "Big Papi" Ortiz has been implicated in the steroid mess [Page 1, July 31, "Boston Red Shock"], one friend asked, "Is he still a hero?"

I long ago decided that until he's proved otherwise, Big Papi, along with every other professional baseball player, is a liar and cheat. I have the same opinion of every professional athlete, politician, entertainer and big business CEO.

My grandfather once told me that every man needs a hero, and I have mine.

Two weeks ago, I met a Hartford police officer on bike patrol around the Comcast Theater before the Toby Keith concert. Without being asked, the officer did a huge personal favor for my son. The officer isn't a hero because of the favor, but because of the lasting impression he's left with my son.

Next June, when my son graduates from Central Connecticut State University and fulfills a lifelong dream of joining an area police department, it's my hope that he remembers the example of the Hartford officer and pursues his career with similar high standards and integrity.

I have many heroes. Some wear uniforms, but none has "Red Sox" or "Yankees" on his chest.

Christopher D. Hasson
Newington