‘We’re all in this together.’ First responders salute Manatee County hospitals
Sheriff’s deputies, police officers, paramedics and firefighters lined Second Street East on Friday afternoon, outside of Manatee Memorial Hospital.
They gathered to honor Manatee County’s health care workers, who spend hours, days and even weeks with those affected by COVID-19, a respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus.
“Our hospital family is right inside those doors,” said Jason Evans, a district chief for Manatee County EMS. “It’s very important to show support.”
The 30-second salute unfolded simultaneously at four hospitals: Manatee Memorial, Blake Medical Center, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center and the Doctors Hospital of Sarasota Emergency Room in Lakewood Ranch.
More than 80 people lined Manatee Memorial’s parking lot on Friday afternoon, many donning scrubs and smiles. Others grinned from underneath their face masks.
Rucker, an emotional support dog for Manatee County Public Safety, was a crowd favorite. He captured the affection of hospital workers, who stopped to pet the golden retriever and take a selfie in the minutes leading up to Friday’s salute.
At exactly 3 p.m., a chorus of ear-ringing sirens filled the street, turning heads at the Bradenton Riverwalk.
The hospital workers looked on as first responders cheered and clapped from their trucks and patrol cars. Lights flashed and neighborhood residents stopped their afternoon walks to join in the celebration.
“Manatee County Sheriff’s Office thanks you for all you do,” a sign read.
As the salute came to an end, the first responders and hospital workers clapped for each other. Divided by a sidewalk, they offered waves and shouted praises.
Then, it was back to work.
Despite existing protocols for infectious diseases, Evans said no one was prepared for COVID-19. The disease was highly infectious, new information arose every day, and the best practices were ever-changing.
They were on the front lines of Manatee County’s battle against COVID-19, and Friday was a much-needed morale booster, he said.
“Dealing with this crisis, it’s so mentally and physically taxing,” Evans said. “We’re all in this together. We’re all one big public safety family.”