Calgary Fire Department's Fortnight of Gratitude

This evening, New Year’s Eve, brings to a close the Calgary Fire Department’s Fortnight of Gratitude initiative.

Each evening at 7 p.m., for the past two weeks, crews from the Calgary Fire Department have been paying tribute to staff at the Foothills Medical Centre, Peter Lougheed Centre, Rockyview General Hospital, South Health Campus and Alberta Children’s Hospital, by driving by these facilities with lights and sirens on.

The intent behind the initiative is to show solidarity, support and empathy for hospital workers and to remind Calgarians about everything these individuals have gone through, and continue to go through, to look after us during these especially challenging times.

“This past spring, in the early days of COVID-19 in Calgary, healthcare workers were frequently thanked and celebrated by citizens. With the onset of fall’s cooler weather and the second wave of the pandemic, recognition has dropped off. The Calgary Fire Department chose the last two weeks of 2020 to reassure healthcare workers that we still support them, now more than ever. We also thought this initiative might, in some small way, help bring some joy and support, to both staff and patients, this holiday season,” says Chief Steve Dongworth, Calgary Fire Department.

When possible, Fire crews are joined by members of the Calgary Police Service and Alberta Health Services EMS.

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