Police and firefighters in Port Moody are inviting residents to join them in their final salute to health care workers on Friday at 7 p.m.
In a press release issued Wednesday, the departments said they will be discontinuing their weekly parade past Eagle Ridge Hospital as the province moves into the second phase of its Restart Plan.
“The 7 p.m. salute has been a tangible way to show appreciation for our local front-line workers who are risking their lives to save others in the fight against COVID-19,” said Chief Const. David Fleugel. “With more traffic on our roads due to businesses and schools opening up and the resumption of elective surgeries at Eagle Ridge Hospital, we feel it’s the right time to bring these parades to an end. But we continue to feel immense gratitude for the ongoing efforts of our COVID-19 heroes.”
Nightly cheers has been a global phenomenon during the COVID-19 pandemic. Each day at 7 p.m. — the hospital shift change — residents step outside onto their balconies, patios and roofs to applaud the health care workers who have been on the frontlines of the crisis.
Police and firefighters have also gotten in on the action, taking out their vehicles to tour the Tri-Cities as a show of their support.
As Friday will be the last parade, Port Moody Fire Chief Ron Coulson said they are hoping everyone will be able to participate — while staying two meters apart — to make it “extra special.”
“Cheer, clap, hold up a sign, play an instrument,” he said. “We know Port Moody has an abundance of community spirit and our residents will continue to express their thanks in a variety of ways.”
He added: “The best way to show your support for our front-line workers is to practice physical distancing, wash your hands, and stay home when you’re sick.”
