Guardians Memorial June 28 2021

It was 3 years ago today that 5 people were killed in a newsroom on Bestgate Road.

They were loved members of their family and community.

I had the pleasure of meeting two of them, Wendy Winters and Gerald Fischman. I had interacted with Wendy on a few occasions for community stories and she greeted me when I entered the newsroom for the interview of candidates by the editorial board. Gerald was one of those editors who asked me some tough questions in that meeting.

I will never forget June 28, 2018. As news started to travel, I texted the only reporter I had a cell number for, Chase Cook. "Are you ok?" I asked. His response, "I am. Others are not." It would be hours until details and names were released.

Today, leaders from all over the county and state, came together to remember each of them, and their dedication to journalism.

Wendy Winters

Rebecca Smith

Robert Hiaasen

Gerald Fischman

John McNamera