HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

151st GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 2

HONORING DELAWARE’S FIRST RESPONDERS AND ESSENTIAL WORKERS.

WHEREAS, throughout the COVID-19 crisis, healthcare professionals, first responders, educators, in-home health caregivers, public utility workers, and other essential workers have continued performing duties that are vital to the health, safety, and well-being of all; and

WHEREAS, in performing their duties, these brave and selfless individuals face a heightened risk of exposure to COVID-19 while ensuring life-sustaining services may continue without interruption; and

WHEREAS, all staff in Delaware hospitals and long-term care facilities are on the frontlines of the battle against COVID-19, working to diagnose, treat, and prevent the spread of the virus while providing lifesaving care on a daily basis; and

WHEREAS, first responders such as police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and our National Guard and military members continue to protect and serve our communities, taking on increased responsibilities amid this emergency; and

WHEREAS, first responders and those who work in clinics, hospitals, and health care facilities are the dauntless heroes fighting this disease; being stretched to capacity and requiring additional steps to reinforce them; and

WHEREAS, educators and support staff have navigated the significant logistical and safety challenges created by COVID-19 to provide their students with the resources, support, and encouragement to continue learning; and

WHEREAS, in-home health caregivers, who perform the vital work of caring for the most vulnerable Delawareans, have had to make considerable sacrifices to keep those they care for safe and healthy; and

WHEREAS, organized labor workers have worked throughout this crisis to ensure critical services are delivered, and their local union chapters have continued working to provide protection and resources for union families; and

WHEREAS, grocery store and pharmacy clerks, fast food and restaurant workers, public transit workers, gas station attendants, and those who keep the supply chain of food and medicine running have had to rapidly adjust to uncertain working environments while continuing to supply our communities with our most essential needs; and

WHEREAS, by serving others in the face of crisis, these individuals embody the spirit of community, and their efforts stand as a beacon of hope in uncertain times; and

WHEREAS, the risks faced by those who continue to provide essential services has resulted in sickness and in death for many.

NOW THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 151 ^st General Assembly, the Senate concurring therein, that all who remain safe and healthy owe a debt of gratitude to those whose sacrifice makes that health and safety possible.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we mourn the loss of all essential workers who have lost their life as a result of COVID-19.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we offer our deepest appreciation and heartfelt support for the medical professionals, first responders, and all essential workers who keep our communities and our state strong.

SYNOPSIS

This House Concurrent Resolution honors Delaware's first responders and essential workers who have continued performing duties that are vital to the health, safety, and well-being of all Delawareans as we combat the COVID-19 pandemic.