Utility Companies Change Stance, Will Allow Banners To Honor Fallen Heroes
EVANS CITY (KDKA) – Local utility companies have changed their policy, and say they will now allow a Butler County town to honor their fallen military members.
After the following story aired Wednesday evening, Penn Power announced they will now work with community officials to place banners up to honor fallen military members.
The following is the original story that aired Wednesday.
Two years ago, Sgt. Eric Holman of Evans City was tragically killed in Afghanistan.
He left behind his wife and son.
Now Evans City wants to post a sign -- and posters for other service men and women -- along its main street -- but there's one problem, says Mayor Dean Zinkhann.
"The roadblock was that we are not allowed to use the utility poles," the mayor told KDKA money & politics editor Jon Delano.
First Energy, based in Akron, Ohio, which owns Penn Power and West Penn Power, won't permit the signs.
"First Energy's utilities forbid the hanging of signage, banners or decorations from company-owned utility poles. These installations can create safety hazards for our workers and the public, and can cause damage to our infrastructure," says Christopher Eck, company spokesperson.
But this position is at odds with other utilities, says Lorraine Scarpino of Evans City whose daughter is in the U.S. Army and served in Iraq.
"Other towns do it all over America. Why not Evans City? Why can't we do it, too," asks Scarpino.
In contrast, turns out Duquesne Light allows military banners, properly constructed for safety, noting on their webpage, "Duquesne Light is happy to partner with community organizations and municipalities to allow the temporary placement of banners or flags on its utility poles."
With Duquesne Light's approval, Castle Shannon posts such signs during the warm weather months.
That's why Jan Holman, Sgt. Eric Holman's stepmom, can't understand First Energy's hard line.
"I don't understand why no. This is to honor them," says Mrs. Holman. "This has nothing to do with safety. Don't get it. I don't understand why we can't put them up to show everybody these are the guys who protect our country."
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