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CORAL GABLES, FLA. (WSVN) - First responders across South Florida are saying thanks to healthcare workers who are doing everything they can during the COVID-19 pandemic.
7News cameras captured members of the Coral Gables Police and Fire Rescue departments on Tuesday as they cheered and clapped for caregivers outside of Coral Gables Hospital.
Healthcare workers have emerged as the soldiers in the ongoing fight against the coronavirus.
It’s a fight that registered nurse Ariel Ramos said has taken its toll.
“It’s hard. You have your own families to go home to, so you have to be careful,” she said. “Even I’m afraid to go home to hug my own kids.”
Coral Gables Police Chief Ed Hudak and Fire Chief Marcos De La Rosa expressed his gratitude toward the hospital’s doctors, nurses and medical staff for rising up to the challenge of treating COVID-19 patients with courage.
“Thank you from all of us in the blue. You know the guys on the white. We thank you all very, very much,” said Hudak.
“We’re all very busy, and we’re all in the middle of the fight, but while you’re doing that, everyone around you, in the entire community, has your back,” said De La Rosa.
The show of support won’t minimize the risks healthcare workers face every day, but Coral Gables Hospital CEO Cristina Jimenez said it’s nice to know their efforts are being recognized.
“We’re very humbled to feel that we’re supported, and we’re honored that they’re here,” she said.
The same group of police and fire personnel also lined up outside Doctors Hospitals, near the University of Miami, to cheer the staffers who were either starting or ending another day on the front lines.
“It feels great. I mean, I got chills just thinking about how great we’re all working together and how the community, the patients that we’re treating, how grateful they are” said registered nurse Griselle Pastar.
Hours earlier, Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue crews stood outside of the Florida Medical Center Emergency Care entrance in Lauderdale Lakes to show their appreciation for the healthcare workers who were changing shifts.
7News cameras captured first responders clapping and holding signs with positive messages written to thank the medical workers.
“They’re here to celebrate them, to celebrate each other, just to get through this crazy COVID time,” said Florida Medical Center CEO Jeff Welch.
The event was part of BSO’s Clap Because We Care campaign.
“I really appreciate our partners in all the fire departments and police departments for coming out to recognize the true heroes during this crisis, which are the healthcare providers,” said BSFR District Chief Ken Kronheim. “They’re here sacrificing their safety and health and going home to their families every day not knowing what the circumstances could be, and they really should be commended.”
“It was very heartwarming,” said healthcare worker Antonio Fernandez.
“It’s very nice to see the community does care about us,” said Ramos.
Although the event in Lauderdale Lakes. did not last long, the first responders knew the importance of taking the time out to thank those doing what they can to help others during the pandemic.
“It doesn’t really matter what patch you’re wearing, whether it’s BSO, Lauderhill, Sunrise, Tamarac, when the bell goes off to show support and to help a community, everyone comes and responds,” said Kronheim.
“The support that we’re getting from the community is so deserving,” said Lauderdale Lakes Mayor Hazel Rodgers.
Baptist Health Foundation has set up a coronavirus relief fund. That money goes to patients and the medical staff in their fight against COVID-19. For more information, click here.
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