Burbank first responders show gratitude toward healthcare workers
Firefighters and police officers in Burbank honored the city’s healthcare workers on Wednesday with a parade of vehicles outside of Providence St. Joseph Medical Center.
The procession was a tribute from the city’s first responders to hospital staff members who are working on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Our healthcare workers are doing a tremendous job in an extremely stressful environment,” city spokeswoman Simone McFarland said. “We wanted our local workers to know that Burbank cares, and we appreciate their hard work and their commitment to our residents.”
The feeling of gratitude was also echoed by the Burbank Police Department. Sgt. Derek Green, a spokesman for the agency, said the department relies on Providence St. Joseph year-round, whether it’s treating inmates in need of medical attention or providing aid to officers injured in the line of duty.
“But right now, the burden is with them in this crisis, and we wanted to show our appreciation,” he said.
It wasn’t just Burbank that showed its appreciation to the city’s healthcare workers. All across the state, first responders showed their support at hospitals in Glendale, Irvine and Mission Viejo.
Kelly Linden, Providence’s chief executive, said in a statement that hospital employees were honored at the outpouring of support they received from the city as well as local police and fire departments.
She said the parade also gave a chance for healthcare workers to salute first responders, as they are also dealing with the pandemic.
“The excitement from the parade and the appreciation from the community continues to be felt throughout the hospital,” Linden said.
