By Wayne Wink
It is hard to believe that we are nearing one year since the coronavirus pandemic has altered our everyday lives. As vaccines are rolled out throughout the country, and with an end hopefully in sight, I would like to reflect on those who went above and beyond for all of us through these difficult of times: our first responders.
The Town of North Hempstead is home to over 230,000 residents, as well as three hospitals, seventeen volunteer fire departments and nine police agencies. Thousands of hospital workers, police officers, firefighters, and EMT’s fought for us around the clock. The pandemic brought a new life that these first responders had to adapt to.
Being on call, working extended hours and changing the way they interacted with the public were just a few of the new realities they dealt with during the height of the pandemic. Many were quarantined away from their children, families and friends due to constant exposure to the virus. They spent weeks, months, and the better part of a year isolated.
With over 13,000 positive tests in just the North Hempstead community, all residents faced difficulties adapting to an ever-evolving way of life.
During the New York State ‘stay-at-home’ order, businesses, offices, shops, schools, and all non-essential services were closed as we all did our part to fight back and flatten the curve. However, the brave men and women who make up our first did not just sit back. All first responder organizations worked tirelessly to best help our communities.
There were volunteer fire departments that had quarantined crews on shift, living in their departments away from their families for two to three weeks at a time to limit exposure. Ambulance employees and EMT’s would respond to dozens, sometimes hundreds of calls each day. Hospital workers would work around the clock to intake, process, and assist patients to the best of their abilities before sleeping in temporary structures or making other accommodations away from their friends and families due to their high-risk contact rates.
Day after day, knowing that the day would be filled with the unknown, our first responders never wavered and kept pushing forward. We owe it to all of those who have been on the front lines to do our part in return. We must take the proper precautions and the right steps to ensure the valiant efforts of our first responders aren’t in vain.
The coronavirus pandemic will forever be remembered in history. In the future, when reflecting on this historic time, we should never forget the courageous response to the disease made by our first responders.
The sacrifices made throughout the year have been truly admirable and deserves everyone’s deepest appreciation. I would like to thank all of the first responders for their sacrifice and dedication, as well as always being a beacon of hope for all. Thank you, stay safe, and I look forward to the day that we defeat this virus together.
