LEE — Eleven-year-old David Carlino counts among his friends retired Lee Police Chief Jeff Roosa. The Lee Elementary School student developed a bond with Roosa because of all the good he has done for the Lee Public Schools.
So, what better way to honor the town's former top cop, who is battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis — it's commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease — than by naming the driveway leading to David's school or the circular drive fronting Lee Middle and High School as Chief Roosa Way.
David read his letter asking the Select Board during a regular Zoom meeting this month to honor Roosa for all the time he spent at the schools on Greylock Street.
"He would come into my classroom to say hello, play different games with us in P.E. [physical education] and read to us in different classes," the well-spoken youngster said, reading his letter to the Lee Select Board. "He would also speak at assemblies, talk to kids who were having a tough time and make Field Day so much fun for every kid at the school."
David knows something about personalized street names, as Consolati Way leading to the Lee Post Office is named for his late great-grandfather, Frank Consolati, a popular businessman and local philanthropist.
Board Chairman David Consolati and Selectwoman Patricia Carlino, David's grandmother, vowed to try and make the street sign happen, but it might take some time.
David concluded, "Thank you for your consideration, and I hope that we can work together to make this happen for a very deserving retired chief! Chief, if you are watching, thanks for everything."