First Responders and community members from around the Tappahannock and Northern Neck region gathered at Riverside Tappahannock Hospital (RTH) Wednesday to view a special photographic tribute to the men and women who provide emergency services to the region.
Created by Williamsburg photographer Michael Taylor, the images highlighted members of law enforcement, fire and rescue as well as captured the unique character and beauty of each of the seven counties the hospital serves—the Tappahannock area of Essex, King &Queen and King William;and the Northern Neck counties of Richmond, Westmoreland, Northumberland and Lancaster.
Esther Desimini, RTH VP and administrator, welcomed the group of approximately 150 community members, first responders and Riverside team members that the well-deserved project and event was ultimately a "gathering of gratitude."
"These photographs are such a unique and lasting way to express our appreciation for their time and their families' support in this special partnership in serving our communities," she said.
Lisa Dodd, DO, new medical director of RTH's Emergency Department and volunteer member of Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad and Oak Grove Volunteer Fire Department, shared her unique perspective on the value of first responders.
"I was a teenager when I started as a member of the Colonial Beach Junior Volunteer Rescue Squad and continue volunteering to this day. I know what first responders are dealing with in the field, the challenges of working with the acutely sick. I am so appreciative of the work they do before bringing their patients to us," she said.
Members of the participating organizations were each given their own prints of the pictures and everyone who attended was given a copy of a book that included all of the photos in the exhibit.
The prints are now permanently displayed throughout the emergency department of the hospital.