Letters: Greg Alia had great model in his father

I never had the good fortune of knowing Forest Acres police officer Greg Alia, but his tragic and senseless death reached our family in a very personal way. Four years ago, his father, Dr. Richard Alia, diagnosed my wife with advanced colorectal cancer.

This news hit our family like a bolt of lightening. The cancer struck without any warning or symptom. This was the beginning of a very long journey of tests, scans, chemotherapy, radiation and major surgery,followed by more chemo.

Dr. Alia and his wife, Alexis (his nurse), along with their office staff, were most encouraging and uplifting to us as we began this journey into the unknown. They gave us the hope, assurance and confidence that this battle was winnable. Thank God, they were correct.

From all accounts, Officer Alia was a model policeman, family man, citizen and friend. His legacy is one that all of us should seek to emulate. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and all who mourn his passing .

This story was originally published November 5, 2015 at 4:30 PM with the headline "Letters: Greg Alia had great model in his father."