Heroes honoring heroes: First responders pay tribute to hospital workers with ‘Parade of Lights’

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Men and women who are often considered heroes for the work they do set out in force on Thursday to honor other heroes -- the medical professionals working tirelessly in the fight against COVID-19.

First responders from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, Charlotte Fire Department and Mecklenburg EMS sounded their sirens, flashed their lights and waved as they drove by doctors, nurses and other hospital staffers who lined the street in front of Atrium Health’s Carolinas Medical Center near uptown.

Many of those being honored told Channel 9 reporter Mark Becker they never expected anything like this and that it’s hard getting used to being called heroes.

“Usually, it’s the other way around, but we’re all in their together,” hospital worker Almetra Jones said.

When asked if she considered hospital staff members heroes, Jones said: “I can say we’re heroes, but I think we’re all heroes. Everybody who’s working, we’re all heroes.”

The procession also passed by Atrium Health Mercy, Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center and Atrium Health University City.

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VIDEO: First responders pass by hospital to show appreciation for workers VIDEO: First responders pass by hospital to show appreciation for workers

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