172536_CPCA_2020_Spring Magazine - Final | Page 26

personnel who work in hospitals and laboratories are embroiled in
a fight this world has not seen in nearly a century. It’s abundantly
clear they are the real COVID-19 heroes. They walk into places and
confront this invisible enemy that has infected over 1.84 million (and
climbing) nationally and taken the lives of over 106,000 Americans.
In April, our police and fire personnel wanted to acknowledge the
bravery and courage of our healthcare providers who have fought
to save the lives of COVID-19 patients. They visited local hospitals
to personally thank our healthcare heroes. They marched onto the
various campuses behind a bagpiper in full regalia holding signs
saying thank you, waved American flags, activated their sirens, and
applauded those heroes for their work and the personal sacrifices.
This fight is not going to be won by politics or a country’s physical
might. It will be won by medical research, technology, and ultimately
a scientific breakthrough. The exchange of information and the
true spirit of cooperation between nations and members of our
community will lead to the eradication of this disease. Together we
are strong. Together we will beat COVID-19.
26 CALIFORNIA POLICE CHIEF | www.californiapolicechiefs.org