Maya McFadden Photo
A celebratory drive-by for New Haven’s American Medical Response (AMR) workers was the first of its kind for communications response operators (CRO) Conswella Sessions and Maria Luna.
About 40 emergency medical service (EMS) workers lined up in front of the AMR building at 58 Middletown Ave. Monday morning as city and state officials joined firefighters and cops to honor the workers and their courage during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We’ve been together before Covid and we’ll be together after,” said Fire Chief John Alston Jr.
Maria Luna and Conswella Sessions.
Luna has been a CRO for 24 years and Sessions for 21 years. The pair agreed that while their already difficult jobs have only gotten harder during the pandemic, their AMR team has continued to operate as a family to help ease one another during these hard times.
“It’s a battle every day,” said Luna, whose sister tested positive for Covid-19.
Sessions too said she has had some family members and friends not only contract Covid but pass away from the virus. Social distancing and the shelter-in-place recommendation have affected both Luna and Sessions. “I can’t be there during the difficult times, and it has taken a toll on me,” Sessions said.
Sessions said she has had to miss funeral services for people she knows, for her safety.
While managing the daily work of a CRO and many double shifts, Luna keeps occupied at home by coloring, watching TV, and reading. Sessions reads, listens to music, and plays video games to relax. The two also spend much time praying.
Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Mayor Justin Elicker, and State Sen. Martin Looney thanked the workers during the Monday celebration.
“You see people in their moment of emergencies. Thank you,” said Looney.
As the workers lined the front of the AMR building, many passing drivers honked their horns to show support and recognition for their work.
NHFD and NHPD members gave their thanks to the AMR workers. They received thanks back for their collaborations with AMR.
“We need you just as much as you need us,” said one AMR worker to a police officer.
Thank you to the EMS, paramedics and EMTs who are always there for us when we need them and are risking their lives every day to help us in our darkest hours of need.