Riddle Hospital nurses, doctors and support staff were serenaded with enthusiastic clapping last Tuesday evening, writes Pete Bannan for the Daily Times.

First responders stood on Baltimore Pike outside the hospital at the 7 p.m. change of shift to thank them for putting their lives on the line during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Similar events have been taking place at other hospitals so event organizer Middletown Assistant Fire Chief Eric Mellon and his girlfriend, Main Line Health medical assistant Gina DiTrollo, thought it was time to do the same in Delaware County.

Main Line Health owns Riddle Hospital.

“She’s been working with the testing of people coming in with the virus. and I see how difficult it is for her. She comes home mentally drained,” Mellon said. “I can’t imagine what it is like in the hospital.”

Among those in attendance were firefighters from Rocky Run, Rose Tree, Media, Edgmont, Brookhaven, Chester Heights, Concordville as well as  Pennsylvania State Police, Upper Providence and Media police.

Riddle President Shelly Buck described the event as “truly touching,” adding it helps immensely with treating patients with the highest quality of care and compassion.

Read more about this salute to Riddle’s healthcare providers here.