PARAMEDICS and frontline ambulance staff have been handed the freedom of Basildon as a mark of respect for their heroic efforts during the Covid pandemic.
Basildon Council has given the accolade to ambulance staff for tireless efforts in saving lives.
The Freedom of the Borough is the “highest honour awarded in exceptional circumstances”.
It is a mechanism to reward and recognise people who have provided outstanding service to Basildon.
The award comes after four NHS organisations were granted the same accolade in May.
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However, because of Covid restrictions, plans to hold a celebration event have been put on hold.
A presentation event will soon take place where all five organisations will be recognised and presented with their awards.
The Mayor of Basildon, David Dadds said: “While we were staying at home to help the fight against Covid-19, our East of England Ambulance heroes were still out on the frontline working tirelessly every day to save lives.
“On behalf of the council and the borough, I would like to give our sincere thanks and gratitude to them.
“Though this award has come about through their incredible efforts during the adversity of Covid-19, the work they do daily, long before and long after the pandemic, is something that deserves special recognition of this kind.
“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to honour their dedication, strength and professionalism in this way.”
The decision to honour the East of England Ambulance Service was agreed by Basildon Council on Thursday evening.
Chief Executive of the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Tom Abell, said: “We are delighted to receive this honour from Basildon Council and it will be a real boost to our dedicated people who work so hard to serve their communities, day in, day out.
“I would like to personally thank the councillors for recognising our workforce in the face of the pressures brought on by the pandemic.”
Those who receive the Freedom of Basildon status usually have their names inscribed on boards at the council offices as an additional reorganisation of their dedication to the borough.
However due to the amount of space needed, granting this to NHS staff won’t be possible, the council says.
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