We are writing in response, and reaction, to the opinion piece written by Clare Rose, which appears in the Sept. 30 edition of the Farmingdale Observer. We agree wholeheartedly with Ms. Rose, when she states that young people are in serious need of positive role models.

Role models are individuals who serve to teach others about character, service, compassion, the taking of responsibility for ones actions, courage in the face of adversity, and learning from our mistakes.

Role models should hold prominence of place at public events and celebrations. Ms. Rose complains that the former mayor of Farmingdale held a place of prominence as Grand Marshal for the Memorial Day Parade. In this opinion she is in error. There is no Grand Marshal appointed for that parade. The former mayor's visibility was a result of his prominence as an active and distinguished member of the Farmingdale Fire Department. I am sure she and others would be pleased to see him in a place of prominence should they suffer a house fire.

Role models, like the rest of us, are flawed human beings who make errors, occasionally very serious ones. It is the manner in which those errors are addressed that illuminates an individual's character. A man is measured, not by one transgression, but by the full spectrum of his life. In this case, a life that has been filled with public and private service: national service as a United States Marine, county service as a highly decorated Suffolk County police officer, local service as a volunteer firefighter, and governmental service as mayor. His personal service to others has been generous, compassionate, and private. The general public does not know how often the former mayor helped a needy neighbor pay the mortgage, an electric bill, a heating bill, or a car payment. They don't know how many senior citizens have had his help to make needed household repairs, improve handicapped accessibility, get their medical benefits or pay for prescription drugs. Grieving families have been the recipients of his compassion and generosity when funeral services were beyond their means.

Who qualifies as a positive role model for young people? Joe Trudden does. He may be a flawed human being like the rest of us, but unlike most of us, he continues to serve his community and his neighbors with sincerity and character.

I sincerely hope that the Observer has the character to print this opinion in time for the Columbus Day celebrations.

John and Peg Leeson