This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
In our 24-hour news cycle we search in vain for heroes and heroines, for we need them as a rudder to guide us through uncertain times.
Two of my heroes were recently in the news: University of Utah athletic director Chris Hill and former Salt Lake City Mayor Palmer DePaulis, Palmer for his retirement and Chris for his public apology ("Report: Former U. swim coach should have been fired for alcohol abuse," Tribune, July 2).
But, why are they heroes? They care enough about protecting others that they disregard personal well-being. Heroes frequently earn that status in battle, but a hero can arise anywhere.
Hill is a hero for the leadership and sacrifice he has displayed for 26 years, in victory and defeat, while leading the U.'s athletic program. We should not forget the victorious times as the tarnish of another's misdeeds taints Hill's leadership. It takes a hero to apologize when wrong.
DePaulis is a hero for his remarkable record of public service and caring for the least advantaged. If there were misdeeds by others in the public arena, DePaulis was not afraid to call out the miscreants.
Being a hero is not a road without bumps.
Pat Shea
Salt Lake City