'You are the backbone of this community': First responders pay tribute to AdventHealth Palm Coast workers

'The show of support has been amazing,' said Pam Bolter, of the AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation. 'We're a family.'

By Brian McMillan
| 11:18 a.m. April 17, 2020

AdventHealth Palm Coast workers gathered in scrubs and face masks to wave and take video of the parade. Photos by Brian McMillan

Pam Bolter

Rana Fowler, Dana Powell, Jennifer Mellow, April Frahm and Maria Gonzalez

Nelson Burgos

Joseph Hogan and Carrie Graziano

Flagler Beach Fire Capt. Steve Cox and Flagler County Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Joe King

Palm Coast Observer
Neighbors

Sirens and flashing lights of fire trucks and law enforcement vehicles paid tribute to health care workers on Thursday, April 16, at AdventHealth Palm Coast, an expression of support and family spirit for two sectors that could be considered the front lines of the battle against COVID-19: first responders and emergency department nurses.

"It makes you feel good to be appreciated," said April Frahm, of AdventHealth.

"They're part of our team," said Maria Gonzalez, also of AdventHealth. "We work closely together."

Operating Room Coordinator Nelson Burgos said everyone is working together to make sure health care workers are supported and have the supplies they need.

"The show of support has been amazing," said Pam Bolter, of the AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation. "We're a family."

The parade was organized in part by Steve Cox, a captain with the Flagler Beach Fire Department. To the crowd of health care workers who were wearing scrubs and face masks, gathered on the sidewalk in front of the Emergency Department, Cox said into a loudspeaker: "We wanted to come out and say thank you. ... You are the backbone of this community."

Flagler Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Joe King said there is a great connection between the firefighters, law enforcement officers and the hospital staff.

"Our guys have a lot of contact with their staff, especially the ER staff," King said. "The know each other pretty well."

author

Brian McMillan

Brian McMillan and his wife, Hailey, bought the Observer in 2023. Before taking on his role as publisher, Brian was the editor from 2010 to 2022, winning numerous awards for his column writing, photography and journalism, from the Florida Press Association.