Updated: 5/12/2020
Sometimes unusual times present unusual heroes. During the expanding coronavirus crisis, heroes have (rightfully) been made of mail carriers, grocery stockers and warehouse workers, among others. But let’s not forget the so-called ‘normal’ heroes, the usual suspects that remain on the front lines during every crisis we face: our first responders.
Our firefighters and police officers cannot work from home and are constantly in direct contact with a wide variety of citizens. This puts them at a significantly higher risk of contracting COVID-19 than the general public. In some communities, retired first responders have even been asked to come out of retirement to once again serve the public in these extraordinary times.
In spite of these risks and challenges, first responders continue to rise to the occasion. Here are just a few examples:
- Virginia firefighters honor local health care workers with a parade
- Brighton Fire Rescue brightens the day for area senior citizens
We enjoyed being part of a parade Monday afternoon for Inglenook at Brighton Assisted Living residents and staff! pic.twitter.com/YRjRiDim2O
— Brighton Fire Rescue (@BrightonFire) April 27, 2020
- Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue celebrates local kids’ birthday in style
- Cañon City brighten the spirits of local kids stuck inside on their birthdays
- Berthoud FPD stages a parade for local girl who can’t have a birthday party due to coronavirus
We heard that a very sweet Berthoud girl couldn't have a birthday party today so we brought her a parade to cheer her up. She was very surprised! Happy Birthday Gwynn! 🥳 #WeAreBerthoud.@BerthoudFire @LarimerSheriff pic.twitter.com/ciwZZKM2Zi
— Berthoud Fire (@BerthoudFire) April 7, 2020
- Fire chief misses own 20th wedding anniversary to combat outbreak in WA
As the coronavirus spreads, a growing number of Americans have found themselves face-to-face with the possibility of contamination just by going to work. We spoke to four people who are fighting the spread of the virus on the front lines. https://t.co/vYvoZZmAFe
— The New York Times (@nytimes) March 12, 2020
- Iowa officers volunteer time to help elderly amid coronavirus response
“We’re just wanting to help out where we can. If that causes us to go off duty, or use our own money to do it, so be it. It’s well worth it in the end.” https://t.co/AId609i0zW???
— KWQC TV6 News (@kwqcnews) March 17, 2020
- Massachusetts Police Department Offers Pick-up and Delivery Service for Seniors and High-Risk Residents During Coronavirus Pandemic
Maynard Police Department Offers Pick-up and Delivery Service for Seniors and High-Risk Residents During Coronavirus Pandemic https://t.co/3RdnWfCQ0b
— Maynard Police (@MaynardPolice) March 14, 2020
- Wisconsin officers collect items to help elderly citizens weather the storm
“Drop off a few items and we will take care of the rest.” ❤️ https://t.co/Vo4aE3C9TT
— FOX6 News (@fox6now) March 18, 2020
And thankfully, the sacrifices and heroic actions of our public safety officers have not gone unnoticed in Colorado:
Thank you to our health care workers, our first responders, our supermarket workers, and everyone else stepping up in this crisis!
— Jared Polis (@jaredpolis) March 19, 2020
To the doctors, nurses, first responders, supermarket employees, and other essential workers serving Coloradans right now, thank you — you’re on the front lines as we work to keep our community safe and healthy.
— Rep. Jason Crow (@RepJasonCrow) March 20, 2020
To: Everyone 💜
From: Trevor 📚 https://t.co/zq5aOgnLIR pic.twitter.com/F1llczhcUL— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) March 20, 2020
So grateful today (and every day) for the @WestminsterPD and @WestyFire first responders, who don’t have the option of social distancing or working from home.
Thank you for keeping us safe and helping us feel calm!#Westminster #FirstResponders pic.twitter.com/A6l5cmhskg
— City of Westminster (@westminsterco) March 16, 2020
Paws up for our healthcare workers and first responders. We appreciate you! ❤️️ #thankyou #communitylove #communitysupport #inthistogether #dogmodel #dogoftheday #dogsmile #community #frenchielove #instafrenchie https://t.co/CgKpVMX07h pic.twitter.com/NQoay5Blq5
— Camp Bow Wow (@CampBowWow) March 19, 2020
Being a first responder is often a thank-less job. That’s why, in posts like this we try to make sure our firefighters, police officers and other public safety officers know that we are forever appreciative of their efforts and sacrifices. Thank you for all that you do to keep the public safe.
Back to BonusCheck Home
Ryan Woodhouse is the Content and Publications Manager for the Fire & Police Pension Association of Colorado. When not managing content for FPPA, Ryan can be found fly fishing in the Colorado high country or shouting at the TV during University of Wisconsin football and basketball games.