CHI Saint Joseph hosts Blessing of the Rigs

Jun. 18—BEREA — Saint Joseph Hospital hosted its second Blessing of the Rigs event on Thursday.

The event, which began in 2021, allows first responders at CHI Saint Joseph Hospitals across the state to visit the hospitals for free lunch and a non-denominational blessing on themselves and the vehicles (or rigs) they drive.

The event, which began at 11 a.m. and continued until 1 p.m., gave first responders time to stop by the hospital at their own pace. A lunch of Chik-Fil-A and Yeti Freeze were provided, as police, fire, and other groups drove through.

"This is our second annual Blessing of the Rigs and the reason for this is that human kindness is embedded in our call for service at CHI Saint Joseph Health," Sandra Rose, vice president of operations at Saint Joseph Berea, said. "We are already in perfect alignment with the commitment to demonstrate kindness and every key aspect of service to our communities."

Rose said first responders often get attached to the rigs they drive, which makes the event an emotional one. It came about last year as a result of the pandemic.

"We see the same folks day in and day out and that's the same for our police and fire partners as well... We've invited all first responder agencies in the county to come through," Rose said. "The pandemic was tough on healthcare workers but even as much so on first responders. So, along with our whole human kindness movement within CHI Saint Joseph Health and Carmen Spirit Health, it just seemed like the perfect way to show our appreciation."

Regarding the first responders themselves, there was a sense of appreciation present at the event.

"It means a lot that the community supports us the way they do," Berea Fire Department Battalion Chief Stacy Quinley said.