Why we tell the tough stories
Some stories are just hard to tell.
The frightening moments when someone's home is on fire, the results of a deadly car crash or the tense unknown dangers of a heavy police action.
Yet that reporting sheds light on our community's public safety. We see the effectiveness of our law enforcement, the risks taken by our volunteer firefighters and the needs met by our emergency responders and services.
Often, we get only small pieces of the story at that critical moment, seeking information from public officials, police reports, witnesses and other verified sources. Sometimes the details are revealed over a period of days or, if then connected to a criminal or civil court case winding through the judicial system, it could be months or years.
We are there too, documenting how that facet of our public safety net is working.
Even then we might never know the why.
But the details we can uncover will let the community know what happened — outcomes often include needed support for our fire departments and more awareness of fire prevention; government and individuals taking measures to ensure safer driving or traffic patterns; confidence in the law enforcement procedures; prosecution of those who caused harm or endangered others; or the assurance that we are safe in our homes, on our streets and at work or school.
We know that behind every story we write are the families, friends and neighbors of the people involved. Sometimes they are our family, friends or neighbors, too.
The homeowner who is watching all they own go up in flames or the driver involved in a fatal crash may choose to tell their side of the story or not. Facing possibly the worst moments of their lives, we respect their choice. But we document the moment — what is happening to them affects our community.
And when a life is lost, especially in tragic circumstances, it is heavily felt by the community, as well as the reporters and editors in the newsroom. When permitted, we try to tell the story of that precious life — a tribute to who the person was — what they believed in, who they loved and how their talents or contributions impacted the lives around them.
As your community news source, we will always be transparent on why we chose to cover a story. If you have concerns, we will listen and take them seriously.
Our mission is to treat all those touched by our news coverage with dignity, respect and compassion while we continue to tell the hard stories.
Donna Sybert is the managing editor of the Butler Eagle. The Mars High School graduate has worked at the Butler Eagle since 1982.
