Police and Firefighters Hold Parade for Staten Island Healthcare Workers

Golden Gate Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center located in the Willowbrook section of Staten Island sponsored a parade of NYPD, FDNY, Shomrim and Hatzalah and  to say “thank you” to healthcare workers on the front-line of the coronavirus fight. The drive-by salute took place at the Golden Gate facility located at 191 Bradly Avenue.

Yehuda Hoffner, administrator of Golden Gate Rehabilitation served as master of ceremonies. Aaron Gerstel presented the colors and sang the National Anthem.

In attendance was a crowd of approximately 60 healthcare works, all, “who rightfully have received appropriate accolades recognizing their dedication to saving lives and rescuing victims of the coronavirus,” stated Captain Bruce Ceparano, commanding officer of Pct. 121.

Mendy Mirocznik, president of COJO, and Ari Weiss, coordinator of the Staten Island Shomrim and chairman of the COJO Security Committee represented COJO at Golden Gate’s parade for Staten Island healthcare workers.

Mirocznik thanked Ari Weiss for, “organizing and coordinating Golden Gate’s parade for Staten Island healthcare workers. Our prayer is that the healthcare workers remain safe and out of harms way. These healthcare workers place themselves in the zone of danger to help, save and rescue our family, friends and fellow Staten Islanders. We must be ever so mindful and never fail to appreciate their commitment they have to their residents. They truly are remarkable people and as a community we thank them for efforts during this pandemic period and for going above and beyond the call of duty.”

Ari Weiss, himself a trained EMT stated, “I witnessed first-hand the healthcare providers commitment to their residents. This is the least we can do in appreciation for their selfless devotion.”

Scott Maurer, ceo and executive vice-president of COJO stated that “it was an honor to attend Golden Gate’s Parade saluting healthcare workers. These healthcare workers see the ups and downs. They work hard to save a life. They are the ones who give their residents comfort, hope and courage. As a house of healing and wellness the recovery of a resident and the best care is our priority. Today’s parade affirms our appreciation for their valiant efforts and serves as a recognition that we appreciate all they do for the resident’s they care for.”   

Yehuda Hoffner stated, “this show of solidarity is important for the community because thanks to the professionalism of these healthcare workers to  their residents they will hopefully be able to see the light of the end of the tunnel and be able to enjoy once more a normal life.”