Orange County first responders pay tribute to staff at Valley View during COVID-19 pandemic

Patrol cars from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, along with vehicles from the Department of Public Works, Emergency Management Division and District Attorney’s Office, circled Valley View Center for Nursing Care and Rehabilitation on Thursday with flashing lights and blaring sirens as a tribute to the staff’s hard work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is gratifying to see so many people come together to recognize the inspirational work that Valley View Administrator Laurence LaDue and his dedicated staff have performed during this challenging time,” said Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus, who drove his vehicle in the parade. “As we have seen throughout the country, nursing home residents are susceptible to the COVID-19, and Valley View has been on the frontlines of the battle against the disease. I commend Laurence and the Valley View staff for their resiliency and for the extraordinary care that they are providing our residents during this unprecedented time.”

The parade was part of a growing movement by the community to recognize the efforts of healthcare personnel on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was organized by Neuhaus, Orange County Sheriff Carl E. DuBois, DPW Commissioner Erik Denega and Commissioner of Emergency Services Brendan Casey. During the tribute participants clapped, honked horns, sounded sirens and thanked the employees for their dedication and hard work.

For weeks, the staff at Valley View has worked long hours to treat those stricken with COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus. Dozens of gracious Valley View workers converged on the facility’s front sidewalk to acknowledge the well-wishers.

“I’m proud of how our staff has responded to the crisis and the work that they have performed with our residents,” LaDue said. “Their perseverance, spirit and commitment to our residents will get us through this crisis. We will continue to use all of our resources to care for our residents and support our staff until we are safely through this crisis. I also appreciate the understanding of the families and loved ones of our residents at this time.”