SEE: Dr. Fauci Among Dozens Of 'COVID Heroes' Honored In Brooklyn

BROOKLYN, NY — When Joan Bakiriddin heard a celebrity would be among the group of Brooklynites who, like her, would be honored as "COVID Heroes" at Borough Hall on Tuesday, she wasn't surprised.

"As I look around at all my awesome neighbors I thought, 'It could be any of these people!'" joked Bakiriddin, who was honored for her work helping survivors of domestic violence amid the pandemic.

The celebrity, it turns out, wasn't standing on the Borough Hall steps with Bakiriddin, but streaming into the ceremony from Washington D.C. on a screen nearby.

It was none other than Brooklyn native Dr. Anthony Fauci, the country's top infectious disease expert, who has become a leading voice of reason throughout the pandemic.

"Dr. Fauci clearly shows the best qualities of Brooklynites — being tough, tenacious and dogmatic in standing up for what is right," Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams said as he introduced the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director.

"We proudly thank you Dr. Fauci on behalf of all Brooklynites. This is one president that truly loves you," Adams continued, alluding to criticism Fauci has faced from President Donald Trump.

Fauci was among dozens of Brooklynites who were honored for their work during the coronavirus crisis in Adams' second "Brooklyn COVID Heroes" ceremony. Another group were honored during a COVID heroes event in September.

In his remarks, the doctor credited the borough for his ability to lead during the coronavirus pandemic.

"I am a Brooklynite through and through and I am very, very proud of it," he said. "Whenever people ask me how I put up with all the stuff that goes on in Washington I have two words for them: It’s called Brooklyn strong."

Other Brooklynites honored Tuesday included Mohammad Rezai from the Council of Peoples Organization, who has handed out 15 million pounds of food, and Bed-Stuy Pastor Greg Stamper, whose congregation offered mental health services, funeral processions and weekly "God talks" virtually throughout the pandemic.

The heroes were chosen by Borough Hall after being nominated by their fellow Brooklynites.

Fauci concluded his remarks with a hopeful message for the borough.

"The vaccine is on its way folks," he said. "Hang in there, hang tough. We’re going to get over this together."