Editor, New Era:

It is a truly sad notice regarding the passing of Paul Newman. However, in 1974, an action thriller on the big screen titled, "The Towering Inferno," starred Newman as Doug Roberts, a structural architect. It became a huge hit with firefighters andcode-enforcement persons everywhere and changed many lives.

This timely movie emphasized the struggle between fire personnel (the codes people, in particular) and structural architects and engineers. Today, this movie remains timely.

Buildings are designed and constructed far above the reach of conventional fire-department equipment. Fire-protection features of all buildings need to be improved. Smoke-detection systems and sprinkler systems need to be a requirement, not an option. Economic incentives should be offered to fit (or retrofit) structures with these lifesaving devices.

On Sept. 7, 1972, the National Commission on Fire Prevention and Control was formed by then-President Richard M. Nixon and funded by Congress. On May 4, 1973, a report was issued titled, "America Burning, the Report of the National Commission on Fire Prevention and Control." Copies of this report are available on the Internet today. A short movie entitled, "America Burning," was narrated by Jack Webb of "Dragnet" fame.

After I had viewed the "Towering Inferno" movie several times, and I still watch it on occasion and read "America Burning," I mailed a letter to Mr. Newman, congratulating him on his role as Doug Roberts and the sincerity that he portrayed towards codes and other fire-safety issues that firefighters live and work with every day.

He replied back to me several months later, stating he had no idea what the fire service in America faced on a day-to-day basis, until he made the movie. He then became a believer and supporter of the fire service of America. He also stated his sincerity was real, not portrayed.

Thank you, Paul Newman. Your efforts on behalf of the fire service in America will never be forgotten.

And readers of this letter to the editor, next time you see a firefighter, thank them!

Ed Knight
Manheim Township