SAUGUS — The Board of Selectmen hosted a reception Tuesday evening to honor town employees who guided the town through its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, following the expiration of the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency declaration.
Selectmen handed out citations to members of the Board of Health, Police Chief Michael Ricciardelli, Fire Chief Michael Newbury, teachers and nurses in the town’s public schools, and other volunteers who guided the town through the pandemic. Board member Corinne Riley played a large part in organizing the reception, where honorees were treated to light refreshments and pens with small thank-you notes attached.
The federal emergency declaration ended May 11, and Riley said that with the pandemic essentially in the rearview mirror as a result, she wanted to give back to those in the community who kept the town afloat during the tumultuous period.
Riley began her remarks by listing the names of school nurses who she said “were instrumental in contact tracing… and just getting our kids back to school.”
“I wish we could have given everyone… a citation,” she added.
Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Debra Panetta said watching the way residents, volunteers, and town employees alike came together to combat the pandemic reminded her why she loves the town.
“Anytime there is a problem, everyone just comes together and tries to help one another, which is so very important,” Panetta said. “All of our town and school employees, police, fire, health department, DPW… I don’t know what we would do without them.”
“A heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you,” she told the assembled crowd of several dozen.
The board’s chairman, Anthony Cogliano, recalled launching a food drive with members of the town’s business community, and took the opportunity to thank them for their efforts.
“You name it and they were there,” he said. “Without hesitation, they all came together to help us get through.”
Once the board finished presenting its citations, state Rep. Donald Wong (R-Saugus) stepped up to the microphone to present a citation on behalf of the state legislature, commending the town for its efforts.
Wong, in brief remarks, said he was proud of the town and each person who helped it navigate the unprecedented situation.
“No one had rules of how to handle this. But Saugus did it, they came through, and I thank them,” he said.
