Warren Sterling
Bellingham Herald
BLAINE, Wash. — The Blaine Police Department organized a parade Wednesday, April 8 at St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham, Wash., to thank medical first responders for their service during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Blaine Police Department organized the parade, but many Whatcom agencies were involved. More than 50 vehicles, including patrol cars from city, county and tribal law enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol vehicles, and fire trucks, drove past the hospital in a parade of lights, honking and cheers.
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Blaine Police Chief Donnell Tanksley hatched the idea of a procession through town after seeing other departments across the country also expressing their gratitude to healthcare workers.
At the end of the procession, law enforcement officers stood six feet apart and saluted healthcare workers in thanks for their service and sacrifice. Healthcare workers returned the message by holding up signs that spelled “thank you.”
“That was one of the most emotional moments I’ve had,” said Roseanna Bell, chief nursing officer at St. Joseph Medical Center. “Just to see the first responders and members of our community coming together to support the team. It’s incredibly emotional.”