Behind the Badge
At Pasadena’s Huntington Hospital, the sound of fire horns and police sirens, are often the background noise to working in the medical field.
But on Thursday, April 9th, police and fire officials from Pasadena stood together blasting their horns and sirens, serenading the health care officials who continue to risk their lives fighting Covid-19.
With each press of the horn.
And each flick of the siren.
Police and Fire officials said thank you.
“We all wanted to say thanks to the hospital staff during this time of turmoil” said Interim Fire Chief Bryan Frieders. “They are our partners, not only is everyone a good friend, but they are good allies, we view them as part of our family. They are part of us.”
Pasadena Police officers wave to the Huntington Hospital healthcare workers as the Pasadena Police and Fire personnel lined up in front of Huntington Hospital with lights and sirens to show appreciation for their healthcare efforts during the coronavirus pandemic at the Huntington Hospital in Pasadena, Wednesday, April 9, 2020. (photo byJames Carbone)
The Pasadena Fire Department in partnership with Pasadena Firefighters Local 809 coordinated the efforts on Thursday, including rallying first responders to participate in the day of appreciation, but they also put together a care package for the health care officials at Huntington Hospital.
“It’s the least we can do for them,” said Timothy Sell, Emergency Medical Services Battalion Chief for Pasadena FD. “In the public it’s easy to honor police and fire officials, we are often the ones to get the accolades, but these essential workers are making our world run.”
The Local 809 put together field packages for the health care workers, and had their own children, who are at home, write thank you cards.
“What’s unique about this is how fast things have progressed from 3 weeks ago, we have all had to figure out how to protect ourselves,” Sell said. “The doctors, nurses and everyone at the hospital, they show up to do their job, deal with the virus and then they have to go home and be moms, dads, brothers and sisters. In a normal time, that’s just what we all do. But these are not normal times.”
Pasadena firefighters stand on top of their truck and wave as they lined up in front of Huntington Hospital with lights and sirens to show appreciation for their healthcare efforts during the coronavirus pandemic at the Huntington Hospital in Pasadena, Wednesday, April 9, 2020. (photo byJames Carbone)
A Huntington Hospital healthcare worker applauds as the Pasadena Police and Fire personnel lined up in front of Huntington Hospital with lights and sirens to show appreciation for their healthcare efforts during the coronavirus pandemic at the Huntington Hospital in Pasadena, Wednesday, April 9, 2020. (photo by James Carbone)
Police and fire officials gathered around the horseshoe area of the Huntington Hospital, along California Boulevard, and while respecting the 6-feet social distance requirements applauded as health care workers came out to take in the moment.
Most of them in their masks, gloves and scrubs.
Cars honked.
People clapped.
And thank you’s were shared.
“We stand united with all of our partners that help keep Pasadena safe …” said Chief John Perez. “We can’t say thank you enough for all of their hard work and everything they are doing for our community and county. We appreciate you.”
Huntington Hospital healthcare workers applaud as the Pasadena Police and Fire personnel lined up in front of Huntington Hospital with lights and sirens to show appreciation for their healthcare efforts during the coronavirus pandemic at the Huntington Hospital in Pasadena, Wednesday, April 9, 2020. (photo by James Carbone)
Pasadena Police Lieutenant Bill Grisafe waves to the Huntington Hospital healthcare workers as the Pasadena Police and Fire personnel lined up in front of Huntington Hospital with lights and sirens to show appreciation for their healthcare efforts during the coronavirus pandemic at the Huntington Hospital in Pasadena, Wednesday, April 9, 2020. (photo byJames Carbone)
