'Forever grateful': Newmarket thanks first responders, essential workers

Plaque unveiled on Honorary Citizen rock monument at Fairy Lake

Yorkregion.com
October 19, 2020

While many of us retreated to safety of our homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, first responders put their health and safety at risk on the front lines every day.

In thanks, Newmarket has unveiled a plaque dedicated to first responders and front-line and essential workers on its large Honorary Citizen rock monument at the entrance of Fairy Lake.

“During these unprecedented times, it is these individuals who work hard day and night to ensure that we are safe, allow us to obtain our everyday essentials, provide us access to the health care we need and take care of our loved ones,” Newmarket Mayor John Taylor said.

The plaque was unveiled at a small, physically-distanced ceremony on Oct. 9.

Alfonso Sarmiento of Mackenzie Place represented the front-line workers, while five other representatives of essential services — York Regional Police Const. Michael Hatzes, York Region EMS Bryan Thoman, Central York Fire Service platoon Chief Dan Waters, Robin’s IDA Pharmacy’s Anne Robins and Newmarket’s public works’ Graham Hackson — also attended.

Front-line workers have suffered. Some have become ill with COVID-19 and some have died, Taylor said later in a Facebook post.

Long-term-care workers have gone to work knowing the virus could claim their homes’ residents, first responders have attended emergency calls always knowing patients could have the virus, retail workers have ensured we had needed supplies while often facing frustrated customers, he said.

“We want to say in our most powerful way to our first responders and front-line and essential workers thank you, thank you so much. Your sacrifices, hard work and bravery have not gone unnoticed by your community,” he said.

“We will always and forever remember this year as the year that you protected and served us in the most difficult of times — the year you put our well-being ahead of yours. We will be forever grateful.”

Honorary citizen awards are not granted every year.

The last time the honour was bestowed was in 2017, when community supporter Jackie Playter’s name was added to the monument.

First responders and front-line and essential workers are the sixth honourees to receive a plaque.