When we look back at 2020, hindsight will confirm that first-responders were the heroes of this year. Seamlessly, selflessly, and without forethought, those who have served on the front lines of this pandemic deserve our unwavering support — the same way we would provide veterans coming home after winning a brutal war abroad. We have spoken to those most affected by the pandemic to understand and empathize with their feelings. From ICU nurses to fire department chiefs, here’s an inside look at their world…

Burning Bright. Burning Out.

One year ago, we would have never believed how significant a moment we’d currently be living in. As 2020 comes to a close with the winter holiday season, now is the perfect opportunity to express gratitude to those who have tirelessly given their lives to help protect ours.

Americans have become more accustomed to interfacing with first responders, simply defined as any person trained to respond to an emergency. Our police officers, EMT/EMS workers, firefighters, doctors, nurses, and mental health professionals all fall into this category. This year they have defined the role of heroes and proven time and again that without their support and infrastructure, American towns and cities would be left in chaos.

After almost one year stuck in the cement boots of our fight reflex (versus flight), we are all feeling a bit tapped out. Imagine how our first responders must feel. Hospitals have had some difficulty managing admissions and as of right now more than 70,000 Americans are utilizing a hospital bed due to COVID-19.

Andrea Jowdy, an intensive care unit nurse and Director for Halos in Healthcare, states  “If things continue trending the way they are right now or as they were in the spring, I fear we won’t have enough personnel to manage. More healthcare workers are testing positive therefore staying home to quarantine which leaves our patients with less care. That coupled with the burnout already being experienced by providers does not offer a hopeful holiday season. I for one am hoping for some reasonable reprieve.”

In some municipalities, unpaid volunteers are forced to put themselves in harm’s way, entering homes, public spaces, and other locations where people assemble — a breeding ground for the virus. According to the NFPA, a research report published in February 2020 (based on 2018 data) reports more than 740,000 volunteer firefighters servicing 24,000 fire departments in the United States.

Hope on the Horizon

We spoke with Greg Santone, currently a Captain and 44-year veteran of the Millwood Fire Company in Westchester County New York, a 100% volunteer department operating two firehouses with approximately 55 members. Captain Santone has also served as Fire Chief for two tenures and as a Commissioner for the Millwood Fire District for two tenures, the only person in the district ever to do so.

We asked the Captain about when it became a reality that volunteers were going to have to deal with a second level of life-threatening possibilities.

The Gift of Oneself

There are still decisions to be made regarding access and as vaccination efforts continue to be rolled out, we asked if there was a clear understanding of whether volunteers will have an early option at the vaccine.

Let us not forget, there have been so many instances where communities have come together to make sure our first responders feel appreciated. How can we forget paramedics, police officers, and fire personnel in New York City lining the streets to cheer on healthcare providers?

Giving to the Givers

We asked Captain Santone if he had any thought on how community members could give back to first responders and offered some advice to families on how to stay safe during this holiday season.

22:20 – 23:27

Forget the Marvel Universe, we have every day bona fide heroes living amongst us. Write a note, say thank you, make a donation, smile — you may never know their name and they may never know yours, but if the time ever comes that you need saving — they will be there.

What do your holidays look like this year?

Share your stories, ideas, recipes, and thoughts! Give others inspiration and discover tips for you and your family to create new traditions amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Written by Paul Michael Marinello | Category: Rewrapping the Holidays—New Traditions Amid COVID-19 

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