Local first responders honor LI Community Hospital healthcare heroes

Local fire and EMS departments came out to show support last week for the nurses, doctors, and staff at Long Island Community Hospital, who have been on the front lines of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. The Hagerman, Patchogue, North Patchogue, Medford and Bellport fire departments and South Country Ambulance paraded past the hospital waving to the work- ers, sirens blaring, on April 6.

“Our staff has been working coura- geously in the face of this pandemic. I have witnessed acts of individual brav- ery, courage and determination and now, sadly, the loss of one of our own,” said Richard T. Margulis, Long Island Community Hospital presi- dent and CEO. “They are all true American heroes, who along with our first respond- ers, are willing to jump in to put others first at all costs. In addition to the unbelievable outpouring of support that continues to come from our friends and neighbors, our local fire and EMS agencies paid us a moving tribute of solidarity to let our commu- nity know that we all stand together in this battle.”