County holds remembrance for COVID deaths

WATKINS GLEN---In a somber reflection of the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic, families and friends who had lost loved ones were joined by County Administrator Tim O'Hearn and Interim Schuyler County Public Health Director Dr. Nancy King at the Schuyler County Courthouse, Wednesday, Dec. 8 for a memorial service. Along with a wreath, small white flags were placed in front of the courthouse to signify every life lost in Schuyler County from COVID.
"Today's ceremony is a poignant reminder of the human element that accompanies this disease," said O'Hearn. "Sadly we had to add two more doves to the wreath this week alone as we mourn community members who have succumbed to this disease."
Since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 21 deaths in the county.
"Schuyler is a close-knit community, the death of our community members is tragic especially with a disease such as this, so today's ceremony is a fitting tribute to the lives that were lost and the impact that these people (have held)... and their too-soon passing," said O'Hearn.
Along with taking time to honor the lives lost and speak to the families present, O'Hearn also singled out county employees for the work they have done.
"Our front line staff have been intimately involved in this for almost two years now... None more so than our public health staff... who continue to go above and beyond doing a yeoman's job... with their dedication and professionalism," said O'Hearn.
Despite the pandemic being in its second year and vaccines widely available, cases are at all-time highs.
Dr. King said the department of public health felt compelled to put together the memorial service to not only honor those who have passed but to let their families heal.
"(The memorial) is in three layers, the first layer will be [21] candles that will be lit at night... [there are] the white flags... and the third is the wreath you see up on the wall," King added.
King also took time to read the names of every single Schuyler County resident who has lost their life to COVID after reading a brief poem to those in attendance.