Medicine Hat Police vehicles taking part in Monday's salute to local health care workers (Photo courtesy of Colton McKee)

By Scott Roblin

Siren Salute

Police, Bylaw, EMS team up to thank local health care workers

Mar 30, 2020 | 6:10 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – In an uncertain and ever-changing world because of COVID-19, a group of Medicine Hat first responders wanted to show their appreciation for health care professions on Monday.

A dozen Medicine Hat Police Service, Bylaw Enforcement, and EMS vehicles lined up near the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Monday morning and flicked on their lights and sirens during a spirited pass-by.

Chief Andy McGrogan said the salute to nurses and doctors was something they felt an obligation to perform.

“Like our first responders on the street, they don’t have a choice,” said McGrogan. “They’re coming to work and putting themselves in harm’s way to serve other. We just wanted to say thank you.”

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The ‘Lights of Hope’ parade began on the east side of the hospital and worked its way along 5^th Street SW, before looping past the emergency entrance where staff and visitors were waiting either from their rooms or by the main doors.

The initiative was led by local officers wanting to show their appreciation for those in the medical professional strapped with the pandemic.

“I think a lot of times we take them for granted,” said McGrogan. “I think is an opportunity to say, ‘Hey, we’re not taking you for granted. We’re here, we’re beside you, we’re doing what we can to help this thing go away.’”

Calgary and Lethbridge Police have both done similar parades in front of hospitals in their own communities, while Alberta Health Services has been promoting these visits on social media.

As for social distancing in the community, McGrogan said he’s been quite pleased with how Medicine Hat residents have responded to the changes.

“People in this community seem to be really working hard at following the rules,” he said. “So, if we follow the rules that the Canadian government and the Alberta government have put in place to try and put a stop to this, I personally am really hopeful that we’re going to see this coming around the corner pretty soon.”