SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — First responders honored medical staff fighting the COVID-19 pandemic Monday morning.
Dozens lined up in a parade out front of Salt Lake County hospitals.
“[They are] the true first responders of what we have going on right now, and we just want to show our appreciate them,” said Utah Highway Patrol Lt. Nick Street.
While first responders routinely handle dangerous situations, many insist healthcare workers are among the bravest during the pandemic.
“Our healthcare workers are really, truly on the front lines of the epidemic and we just wanted to say thank you to them,” said Salt Lake City Police Sgt. Keith Horrocks.
The lights, sirens and support brought out healthcare workers outside of the University of Utah Health’s emergency room.
Among them, respiratory therapists busy with COVID-19 patients.
“Oh, it was amazing. I thought it was really cool to see the community come together, especially the ones that are on the front lines,” respiratory therapist Eve Frislie said.
“They’re interacting with people who have the virus or don’t know that they have the virus,” James Roth said.
Roth organized the event after seeing medical staff and law enforcement put their health on the line to help others.
“They’re working when some of us are able to be home and they have no choice. They have to take care of the sick people,” Roth said.
The respiratory therapists said they’re just doing their job.
“We all went into this field because we like helping people. They need help,” said Elizabeth Andrews.
The procession continued to Primary Children’s, Moran Eye Center and Intermountain Health in Murray.
