Vernon First-Responders Salute Nursing Home Workers, Patients

VERNON, CT — Vernon's first-responders gave a salute to nursing home workers and residents on Monday with parade. Stops were made at Vernon Manor and the Fox Hill Center.

The parade was led by Officer Kerry Reynolds in a Vernon police cruiser, who thanked the staff and encouraged the patients via the vehicle's public address system. She was followed by a line of police and fire vehicles.

Vernon Town Administrator Michael Purcaro said the idea was to "pay tribute to the front-line health care workers at the facilities" amid the coronavirus pandemic.

"The town's first-responders want to show their solidarity with these brave workers who care for one of the most at-risk groups in our population," said Purcaro, who is also Vernon's emergency management director. "Besides saying thank you to the workers, the visit was also meant to help boost the spirits of the facilities residents who are not allowed to have visitors due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The emergency vehicles made a loop through each facility with their emergency lights activated while keeping the proper social distance.