The sounds of sirens wailing could be heard throughout Port Hope on the morning of April 3, 2020.
But it wasn’t an emergency – it was emergency services saying “thank you” to people helping out during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Port Hope Police Chief Bryant Wood said the idea came from Deputy Police Chief Darren Strongman as a way to salute the “unsung heroes.”
Restaurant workers, long term care facilities and grocery stores were saluted as a parade of emergency vehicles left the Port Hope Police station at 9 a.m. and went around town at various locations starting off at Davis Your Independent Grocer, then to Food Basics and various other locations and long-term care facilities.
Customers at each of the grocery stores, some with masks on, stopped and waved at the emergency vehicles parading through the parking lots.
At times, people were brought to tears.
“I think there is a lot of stress going on in the community and this was a nice, little thing to see. I think we showed our appreciation for all they do.”