Special “Clap Off”

Far Rockaway, New York, April 6, 2020 — The FDNY’s “The Big House” (Engine 264, Ladder 134, Engine 328) and “The Best on The Beach” (Engine 265, Ladder 121, Batallion 47), and the Inwood Fire Department lined the street outside of the St. John’s Episcopal Hospital (SJEH) Emergency Department with sirens blaring and a massive round of applause in a display of respect and appreciation to SJEH staff who are on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We want say thank you to the true heroes—the doctors, the nurses, the environmental services staff, the cooks, and the entire staff at St. John’s,” said Christopher Pasano, Battalion Chief of Battalion 47. “This is the only hospital in the Rockaways and we want to show our love and appreciation! We will come through this pandemic together!”

The hospital was able to broadcast the “clap off” tribute live on its Facebook account via Facebook Live. To date, the video has reached more than 102,000 people and has amassed more than 1,000 shares and 64,000 direct views. The video is available on the hospitals official Facebook account, @stjohnsepiscopalhospital.

SJEH is the only hospital located on the Rockaway peninsula of Queens, NY, and serves a population of more than 140,000 residents including the Five Towns of Nassau County, Long Island. Last month, the hospital confirmed the first positive case of COVID-19 in Queens, and has been at the forefront of helping community members battle the virus ever since.

“The FDNY’s and Inwood Fire Department’s display of gratitude is much appreciated and is a huge morale booster to us,” said Jerry Walsh, Chief Executive Officer. “Our employees are working around the clock to ensure that we are doing all we can to help our patients have a successful health outcome, and this act of kindness goes a long way!”