Workers At Saint Barnabas Hospital Earn ‘Heroes Salute’ (VIDEOS)

LIVINGSTON, NJ — It began with a bagpipe call and ended with a resounding "thank you" for those on the frontline of the coronavirus battle.

On Tuesday, a huge “Heroes Salute Parade” involving more than 100 vehicles and 20 towns/emergency response agencies took place at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston. (Watch video footage below)

The tribute to the hospital’s nurses, doctors and other staff members took place one day before the confirmed COVID-19 cases in Essex County reached 8,579… the second-highest total in the state, according to the New Jersey Department of Health.

The vehicle parade began at Northfield Avenue and traveled down Old Short Hills Road, passing the emergency department and turning right into the main entrance, then cruising around the internal circle of the hospital.

John Russo, president of the Saint Barnabas medical staff, said the show of solidarity boosted spirits at the busy hospital:

“This parade was incredibly moving and inspiring. We also want to recognize and thank the first responders who are also on the front lines taking care of the community and the COVID-19 patients. Today’s parade was a representation of the collaboration and cooperation that is going on across the state and the country as we all try to address this disease. The staff at the hospital were incredibly appreciative of the efforts of everyone involved in making this parade a reality. It served as a great energizer for the staff. Thank you from everyone at Saint Barnabas Medical Center.”

The list of municipalities and first responders who participated in the SBMC Heroes Parade included: Livingston, West Orange, East Hanover, South Orange, North Caldwell, Caldwell, Roseland, Millburn, NJIT, Orange, Essex County Prosecutors Office, Belleville, Bloomfield, East Orange, Nutley, Essex County Sheriff’s Office, Maplewood, West Caldwell , Stevens Institute of Technology Police Department, NJ Transit.

• See related article: Watch Touching Tribute To Hospital Workers In Newark, East Orange
• See related article: Drone Video Captures Inspiring Tribute At Clara Maass Hospital

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