By Emma Dugas, Vitals contributor
BURLINGAME, Calif., — On Wednesday April 22nd the staff of Sutter’s Mills-Peninsula Medical Center received a special surprise.
Uniformed personnel from Central County Fire Department, Burlingame Police, Hillsborough Police, San Mateo County Sheriff’s Department (Millbrae Division), and the San Bruno Police Department had come in the pre-dawn hours, with their vehicles and home-made signs, to honor our healthcare heroes.
Doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, and others were surprised by the show of support, having had no idea that their daily bravery was going to be recognized by their community’s public safety heroes. The secret was so well kept that reactions ranged from dismay over lack of make-up, to shocked shyness, to touched tears.
Both staff arriving for their 7 a.m. start time, and the overnight crew just ending their shift, received applause and cheers for their professionalism and dedication during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event was made even more special by the use of signs made by children who attend the Champions Childcare program – a local daycare that reopened on March 30th with priority enrollment for the children of “essential” workers. Parents in public safety and healthcare professions are relying on Champions to care for their children while they care for the community, and having the kids involved in the surprise salute echoed the strong ties between all essential workers.
Over 20 vehicles with lights flashing, and over 100 participants with hands clapping, honored healthcare workers in Burlingame and beyond on this uplifting and memorable morning.
