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First responders salute Buffalo nurses on International Nurses Day

First responders took part in a special tribute to nurses at several Buffalo hospitals on Wednesday.

The flashing lights and sirens of Buffalo police and fire vehicles led a motorcade organized to salute ECMC nurses on International Nurses Day. Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown was on hand and said now. more than ever, is a time to recognize their work.

“These are difficult times for all of us," said Brown. "And we know nurses have worked through exhaustion, nurses have worked through missing their families, and nurses have saved lives in this very difficult time.”

ECMC CEO Thomas Quatroche said it was touching to see heroes saluting heroes.

“The Buffalo Police Department and Fire Department, our first responders, are a significant part of how we save lives," Quatroche said. "They’re just as much a part of it as we are.”

Quatroche said at ECMC every day is like Nurses Day, but it meant a lot to the dozens of nurses on hand for the parade that people take a moment to thank them.

“Imagine the conditions they’re working in. We’re all wearing masks. They’re fully gowned all day long," said Quatroche. "Eight hours, 12 hours a day. It’s very difficult work, and I’m just glad we’re taking a moment to thank them and recognize them for everything they do.”

In addition to the motorcade at ECMC, similar processions were organized at Buffalo General and Mercy hospitals.

Ryan Zunner joined WBFO in the summer of 2018 as an intern, before working his way up to reporter the following summer.
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