Photo Essay by Brett Hillyard
The Covid-19 crisis has confirmed that heroes live and work among us. Some sought the risk and reward of dangerous work, while others had essential status thrust upon them.
One of the most revelatory aspects of the ongoing pandemic is how quickly we have come to appreciate what is truly essential in our lives. Many we already knew about. First-responders, doctors, nurses, and scientists. Others, we’ve come to more deeply appreciate recently. We’ve all hopefully thanked grocery store workers in recent weeks for helping us feed our families—where would we be without them and thousands doing other jobs here in Orange County? Others have risen in support of those essential people—bringing them food, donating time, money, and supplies.
While viewing the photographs that follow, think about the people who have helped you and yours through these difficult days, and what we can do to support them, starting with a simple “thank you.”
Dr. Kari Kajitani
Emergency Room Doctor
El Centro HospitalPaul Holaday
Fire Captain
Orange County Fire AuthorityLieutenant
Chris Corn
Harbormaster, OC Sheriff’s Department
Newport BeachChris Masilon
City of Anaheim Police Officer
Huntington BeachKatie Hibbard
The Ecology Center
San Juan CapistranoLesli Henderson, Susan Thomas, Cynthia Carson
Volunteers
Laguna Food PantryDarlene Solarski
Pavilions employee
Laguna BeachWing Lam
Food delivery volunteer
Hoag Hospital
IrvineAmar Santana
Chef/volunteer at OC Baking
OrangeLauren Douglass
Balboa Island Ferry captain
Newport BeachJeanine Holley
Train conductor
IrvineRandy
Tank truck driver
Costa MesaLeon
Bootblack
Newport Beach Car WashPatrick o’Donohue
Welder/installer at Baja HQ
San Juan CapistranoDr. Rodney Boyd
Dentist
Laguna HillsSusan Valadez
Nurse
Hoag Hospital