(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A motorcade of fire trucks and ambulances made its way to Rush Copley Medical Center Monday morning, but it wasn’t for an emergency.
The Aurora Fire Department came to kick off National Nurses Week by saluting their fellow heroes.
Firefighters and EMTs handed out goodie bags and thanked staff for all their hard work.
“We have always had a great partnership with the hospitals and the nurses and just being able to go out and show our appreciation was important to all of us,” said Kevin Nickel, assistant chief.
While they didn’t get into the profession for the recognition, nurses say the small gesture goes a long way.
“Having their support and for them to come out today just to show us that they're always here and supporting us, especially after the last three years with the pandemic, it's great just to feel their support and their love today,” said Kristin Simmons, who has worked at Rush Copley for the last 18 years.
Simmons added that she’s taken part in plenty of nurse appreciation weeks in the past, but this year feels different with the COVID-19 pandemic in the rearview mirror.
“We've cleared that hurdle,” she said. “These are the people that have stuck it out and stuck together with this hospital, which has supported us to no end. Everyone being able to come out today, unmasked for the first time in a couple years, and celebrate together, celebrate this whole week -- it’s great.”
Rush Copley has several events scheduled for National Nurses Week, including spa days, food parties for staff and executives making their rounds throughout the hospital to say “thank you.”
The Aurora Fire Department’s motorcade also made stops at VNA Healthcare and Ascension Mercy Medical Center.
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