http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0902vigil-letter02.html

Letter to readers
Sept. 2, 2004 06:35 AM

The Arizona Republic has covered many aspects of the tragic shootings of Phoenix police Officers Eric White and Jason Wolfe since they lost their lives Saturday during the raid of a suicidal man's apartment.

But one article published Tuesday, recounting the officers' disciplinary history, unfortunately has caused grieving family members unnecessary pain and it has stirred strong reaction, particularly in the law-enforcement community. The newspaper has received hundreds of calls and e-mails from the community.

The Republic shares in the community's mourning over the loss of the two officers. It regrets any unnecessary pain the story has caused among family members and police colleagues, and it acknowledges the story was inappropriate.

Unfortunately, the community outpouring has included threats to the story's reporter and his family. Based on the intensifying reaction, the newspaper's editors and reporters met Wednesday afternoon with Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon, Police Chief Jack Harris, Phoenix Law Enforcement Association President R.C. "Jake" Jacobsen, police Sgt. Ron Snodgrass, City Manager Frank Fairbanks and other city representatives.

After the meeting, Republic Chairman, CEO and Publisher Sue Clark-Johnson and Gordon issued a joint statement:

"This has been a very tragic time for our community. Together we hope that the emotion of the last several days can appropriately be directed toward compassion and understanding as the community mourns the loss of the officers."