Firefighters, police officers organize show of support for health personnel at Richardson hospital

Firefighters and police officers have organized Light the Night, a show of support for health care workers at Methodist Richardson Medical Center as they continue to treat patients with COVID-19.

The event, happening tonight at 6:45 p.m., is part of an overall grassroots community effort called #RichardsonStrong, which aims to both promote both Richardson and neighborhood unity, according to the initiative's website.

"We've been overwhelmed in such a positive way with all of the support we have received from our community," Methodist Richardson President Ken Hutchenrider said. "From people making homemade masks, to face shields, to food, to now coming out tonight and participating in the Richardson Strong event here at the hospital. We continue to be feeling the love from our community."

Richardson Police Chief Jimmy Spivey said the event was organized by employees in the fire and police departments.

“It wasn’t something that we [the department] initiated, but obviously, we’re all behind it,” Spivey said of the employees’ efforts to organize the event.

Police and fire personnel are expected to circle the hospital during a shift change in a display of support for the nurses, doctors and other hospital employees, hospital spokesperson Jan Arrant said.

“It’s just an expression of gratitude and support for what they face in their jobs, having to deal with this pandemic on a front-line basis,” Spivey said.

News of the plans began to spread widely on Facebook earlier today, Arrant said.

Members of the community are also invited to participate.