To show appreciation for the efforts of hospitals all across the country, Jackson area public safety departments came together for a first responder parade in front of Henry Ford Allegiance Health on Sunday, April 19. A video of the parade done by the City of Jackson can be seen below.

Parading in more than two dozen fire trucks and other emergency vehicles, public safety personnel from 24 local agencies drove around the hospital campus. At the end of the parade, they parked their trucks in front of hospital on E. Michigan Avenue and waved to workers and patients. The following departments were represented in the parade:

The first responder parade was organized by Blackman-Leoni Public Safety Officer Paul Long. He was inspired by similar tributes in other communities and wanted to make sure Jackson’s health care workers and patients were recognized. “We’re all in this together. We just want everybody to appreciate the brave efforts that are going on all over the Jackson area to fight COVID-19. This is something small we can do to honor and uplift those who are fighting a big battle,” Officer Long said.

The hospital thanks the first responders for their tribute. “We are deeply honored that our community’s first responders would come together in such a powerful show of support for our frontline workers,” said Paula Autry, President and CEO of Henry Ford Allegiance Health. “These first responders are heroes in their own right, and their recognition means all that much more because of the sacrifices they make to keep us safe and protected every day.”