Heavy snow didn't stop the parade from emergency services from occurring. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

showing support

Emergency services display solidarity with health care staff in La Ronge

Apr 7, 2020 | 1:02 PM

Flashing lights and sirens could be heard in La Ronge on Monday as emergency service workers showed solidarity with health care workers in the tri-communities.

Conservation officers, firefighters, paramedics and police joined in the parade with their emergency vehicles as they drove around a parking lot at the La Ronge Health Centre at about 7 p.m. The initiative was spearheaded by La Ronge EMS Operations Manager Corey Ecarnot, who said it was important to honour health care workers who are currently working diligently throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“So, showing no matter if you’re a health care worker or emergency services working on the frontline or at the hospital, that we support each other as a team and that’s really is important to show, especially during these hard times,” he said. “All emergency services in our area support each other really is the big thing and support our communities during this time. That was just a small way of showing it.”

Ecarnot had the idea to display such a show of support from seeing similar events occur in other parts of Saskatchewan and throughout the world. He mentioned every day has been different when faced with the pandemic and it’s crucial to show support for those dealing with it on an ongoing basis. As the days go by, he said it’s important health care workers and local residents stay safe.

While the parade was mostly to show solidarity during the pandemic, it also honoured the lives lost and work done by health care workers following the Humboldt Broncos bus crash. The two-year anniversary of the tragedy was on Monday and Ecarnot said all those in the parade had it on their mind.

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“It just kind of rolled into it as well, because obviously two years ago during the Humboldt Broncos bus crash, health care workers from across the province joined together in supporting everyone who was involved,” he said. “It was a way to also honour that, but mostly it was to the pandemic that we’re faced with currently, and the situation in our area and across the world.”

A video of the parade in La Ronge was posted on Facebook and Twitter where it has already been viewed nearly 4,800 times. Ecarnot was told from some of the doctors and nurses in La Ronge that they were very thankful for what was done.

“I know some of the nurses said it brought emotion and tears to their eyes,” he said. “They know they have the supports they need.”

Ecarnot would also like to remind the public about the importance of social distancing like staying six feet apart. He also noted hand washing, staying at home, limiting shopping and only travelling for essentials is crucial at this time.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno