Jamestown firefighters and police are pictured Thursday in front of The Chautauqua Center to thank staff for their work. P-J photo by Dennis Phillips

Being shown appreciation for what you do for a living is always nice.

Having two firefighter engine companies, a ladder company and several police officers at your place of work, running their sirens and flashing their lights, to show appreciation for what you do is above and beyond.

That is what happened this morning for health care workers at The Chautauqua Center and UPMC Chautauqua as more than a dozen Jamestown Fire Department firefighters and several Jamestown Police Department officers stood outside in snowy conditions to salute the city’s health care workers.

“The hospital’s staff is always very good to take care of us on a day-to-day basis. We wanted to show our appreciation to them,” said Matthew Coon, Jamestown Fire Department acting deputy chief. “They are on the front lines and we wanted to show our appreciation. It was a tribute to their continuing efforts. They are always looking out for us and we wanted them to know we are looking out for them.”

Brian Durniok, UPMC Chautauqua president, said it was a wonderful gesture on the part of the first responders, who were joined by city of Jamestown employees and elected officials like Mayor Eddie Sundquist.

Police and fire engines are pictured in front of UPMC Chautauqua on Thursday. P-J photo by Eric Tichy

“To arrange this sends a powerful message to our staff. To appreciate their hard work during this time,” Durniok said. “Obviously, this is a time in our world that is unlike anything we’ve experienced in our lifetimes from the standpoint of a health issue. Our first responders, EMTs, physicians and hospital staff continue to do their jobs with excellence and commitment on a daily basis. That makes us all very proud to live in a community where so many dedicated professionals are looking out for us.”