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Annual report fails to recognize service of former employees

By Carley Dangona
carley@thereminder.com

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Earlier this month, Mayor Gregory Neffinger released the 2011-2012 annual report for the town, whose new format did not include recognition of town employees who had passed away during that year.

In past town reports it was a tradition to honor those who had died by highlighting their service to the town. In 2011, Police Chief Thomas McNamara Jr., Fire Chief John Flaherty Sr., and Town Historian F. Bernard Lally all died.

"Pictures and write ups were submitted and were supposed to be included. It's a huge faux pas and black eye for the town — a slap in the face to these families that served the community for so long. It's unfortunate the report came out late with key elements missing," Town Councilor George Kelly said.

Martha McNamara, Thomas McNamara's widow, commented, "I was very upset that Tommy's years of service weren't recognized. This is the first year [those past haven't been included]. They didn't do Bernie, Tommy and John justice."

When Reminder Publications inquired about the issue, Neffinger said, "It was an oversight. [Mentioning those deceased] is not required to be done per charter. Unfortunately, when there is a tradition of how things are done, it is not until after a mistake that it comes to light."

The following are highlights of the lives of the three men:

•McNamara was born in Springfield in 1927. After serving in the U.S. Navy in World War II, he joined the West Springfield Police Department in 1952, where he served as a patrol officer, sergeant and captain before becoming chief in 1975, a position he remained in until he retired in 1992. In addition to his career with the town, he taught at Holyoke Community College and was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Rotary Club, Holyoke St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee and the Sons of Erin.

•Flaherty was born in Springfield in 1940. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1959 to 1963. He worked for the West Springfield Fire Department for more than 35 years, and was chief for 17 years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Elks Lodge, John Boyle O'Reilly Club, and the Rotary Club.

•Lally was born in Springfield in 1936. Lally graduated from West Springfield High School in 1955. He served in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1963. He was a former teacher of West Springfield Junior High School and Chicopee High School. He served on the Historical Commission and Planning Board.

The Flaherty and Lally families were unable to be reached for comment.