Conrad Buchanan

Our current culture seems to toss the word “hero” about very casually, to the extent that it scarcely has any meaning whatsoever. We are forever singling out athletes, actors or rock stars for this honorable label. A role model does not a hero make. But your June 2 article about Conrad Buchanan is the very definition of that word. Putting his own safety aside to catch a suicidal woman jumping to her death cost Buchanan dearly. Even now, though a quadriplegic, he says he does not regret his actions. Heroes simply don’t come any greater than this. God bless him!

ROBERT FRITSCHE

Long Beach

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Last Tuesday I attended a press conference marking the hospital release of Conrad Buchanan. When asked, he said that he doesn’t regret what he did and would do it again. I have heard talk show hosts ridiculing Buchanan for this answer. As I listened to this gentle, 26-year-old father of two who had literally given up his body for someone he didn’t know, I realized that [his values] are missing in today’s America--the willingness to do what is right, not what is best for one’s self. His type of heroism is in short supply.

I cry for Conrad but I also thank him and admire him no end, for I now have a real-life hero I can point my kids to and say, “Here, my children, here is a man.”

STEVE YOUNG

Glendale