A raucous daily thank you to health-care providers by Burnaby Mounties, firefighters and paramedics is rallying gratitude for those on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Burnaby RCMP has started dispatching a long line of squad cars every evening at 7 p.m. to drive around the city and sound their sirens in support of doctors, nurses and other medical staff fighting the pandemic.
My brother @williamvhoepen shared this video from his condo in Burnaby, B.C. and it shows a procession of RCMP vehicles driving through the city thanking frontline workers for their service. #coronavirus #COVID2019 #clapforourcarers pic.twitter.com/dkurqlkERZ
— Corné Van Hoepen (@Cvanhoepen) March 27, 2020
Fire trucks and ambulances have also joined the salute.
“It’s like our virtual hug to help get them through,” Cpl. Mike Kalanj told the NOW. “Our frontline health-care workers support us first responders 24/7. We see their work ethic on a daily and nightly basis. Right now, it’s like seeing your sister or brother overwhelmed, and you just want to tell them, ‘We believe in you, and we are here to support you.’”
Twist on the 7 o'clock thank you/applause/cheer to healthcare workers at Burnaby Hospital from r/vancouver
On Thursday night, a number of officers came in early for their shifts so they could be part of the tribute, according to Kalanj.
Burnaby RCMP is encouraging the whole community to join the officers by cheering from doorways and patios every evening at 7 p.m.
