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QUEENS WEEKLY, APRIL 12, 2020 Photos courtesy of SJEH
FDNY, Inwood Fire Department host ‘clap
off’ tribute for St. John’s Episcopal Hospital
BY JENNA BAGCAL
Local fire departments in
the Rockaways recently paid
tribute to front line healthcare
workers at a local hospital.
On Friday, the FDNY’s
“The Big House” and “The
Best on The Beach” along with
the Inwood Fire Department
organized a “clap off” tribute
outside of St. John’s Episcopal
Hospital’s (SJEH) Emergency
Department. Firefighters
lined the streets while
applauding and blaring truck
sirens in appreciation of hospital
staff working tirelessly
through the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We want say thank you to
the true heroes — the doctors,
the nurses, the environmental
services staff, the cooks, and
the entire staff at St. John’s,”
said Christopher Pasano, battalion
chief of Battalion 47.
“This is the only hospital in
the Rockaways and we want
to show our love and appreciation!
We will come through
this pandemic together!”
SJEH broadcast the tribute
on Facebook Live. According
to the hospital, the video has
reached more than 102,000 viewers,
amassing more than 1,000
shares and 64,000 direct views.
“The FDNY’s and Inwood
Fire Department’s display of
gratitude is much appreciated
and is a huge morale booster
to us,” said Jerry Walsh, CEO
of SJEH. “Our employees are
working around the clock to
ensure that we are doing all
we can to help our patients
have a successful health outcome,
and this act of kindness
goes a long way!”
As the only hospital on the
Rockaway peninsula, SJEH
serves more than 140,000 residents,
including those in Five
Towns in Nassau County.
Since confirming the first
positive case of COVID-19 in
Queens, the hospital has been
on the forefront of helping
community members battle
the virus.
Reach reporter Jenna Bagcal
by e-mail at jbagcal@qns.
com or by phone at (718) 260-
2583.
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