FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“Suffolk County lights H. Lee Dennison Building in Blue to Honor Healthcare Heroes for their work during the pandemic”
On June 8th Suffolk County Legislator Anthony A. Piccirillo along with elected officials, healthcare heroes, Suffolk County AME and local Fire Departments came together to honor local Healthcare Heroes and kick off Suffolk County Health Heroes Month. Suffolk County Health Heroes Month honors Doctors, Nurses, Emergency Medical Technicians, First Responders and all Healthcare related workers who serve the public every day; and for their brave and heroic work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Government officials and honored guests gathered on the North Lawn of the H. Lee Dennison Building at sunset to pay tribute to our local heroes. “It was really great to be all together again “said Legislator Piccirillo. “ I have not seen my colleagues in government since this pandemic began, it was nice that our first event together was to honor our health heroes” added the Legislator.
The event kicked off with Legislator William “Doc” Spencer giving the invocation Thanking God for all of the Healthcare workers and first responders for the precious lives they have helped preserve with their efforts through the COVID-19 crisis. He then spoke further about what he saw firsthand as a Doctor during the pandemic.
Legislator Piccirillo, the Sponsor of the Legislator delivered a speech in front of the building as the sun set. He stated “When you look at what has happened within the last 100 days. The fact that we can all be here together socially distancing to celebrate the very people who were battling the disease on the front lines is truly remarkable” adding “ Their tireless work and self-sacrifice will be remembered for generations to come in Suffolk County. I hope we can gather every June to remember their heroic actions and remember those who lost their lives battling this invisible enemy.”
Speakers also included Congressman Pete King who spoke to the crowd stating that what we just went through is something that will be in the history books adding that for the most part we got through this virus by staying home and doing nothing; while the Doctors, Nurses, EMT’s and essential works were on the front lines battling for us. Congressman Lee Zeldin echoed a similar sentiment stating that what we have went through in the past few months, really has resulted in great sacrifices from those who lost their lives to COVID-19. Adding that the spirit and dedication of the First Responders, Doctors, Nurses, and Medical Workers show the best in our society.
Colleagues from the Suffolk County Legislature were also there to show support. In true bi-partisan fashion, Presiding Officer Rob Calarco attended the event and spoke about the importance of the event thanking Legislator Piccirillo for sponsoring the Legislation stating that it was important for the county to make sure we took the time to thank the people who have been out there day after day putting themselves at risk. Minority Leader Tom added that he couldn’t begin to imagine what our health heroes went through and what they had to endure; and said that they have our eternal appreciation.
Suffolk County AME President Dan Leveler also spoke and said on behalf of his membership he wanted to thank all of the Healthcare workers, and essential workers who were on the front lines; keeping things going when the country was shut down. In addition to elected officials, local Healthcare Heroes, Hospital Representatives, County workers, First Responders and Fire Departments were all on hand to show their support. Bohemia Fire Department showed up in force, brining two of their Fire Trucks to celebrate.
The night ended with everyone giving the healthcare workers a round of applause with the Dennison Building being lit in Blue as the sun set. As the Healthcare workers left the event they were handed Thank You cards collected by the 8th Legislative District Office. Legislator Piccirillo vowed to hold an event each June 8th to remember the hard work and dedication our healthcare heroes showed during a time of crisis.
