Recognizing Local Heros
Continuing our series of recognizing local heroes, the Village received the following 2 letters. If you see these honorees, Shmuel Nenner or Dr. Rochelle Schlacter, please thank them for everything they have done.
If you know a Wesley Hills resident or someone who works in the Village who you would like to recognize, please send an email to mayor@wesleyhills.org and we will publish it to our mailing list.
Shmuel Nenner, is a hero on every level. He became sick with Covid-19 in March. As soon as he recovered he was back in NYC, as an EMT. In addition, he was sworn into our local Fire Department, as the 600th volunteer, as the pandemic was in full swing. While continuing online school to become a paramedic, Shmuel continued servicing the community as a volunteer EMT for Springhill Ambulance Corp.
Prior to the pandemic, Shmuel could be found at a hospital late at night delivering food through Chesed 24, or holding a down syndrome baby, allowing a short reprieve to exhausted parents. May we all continue to see the greatness in all our heroes and salute them.
I would like to recognize Dr. Rochelle Schlachter, PhD. During the pandemic she continued working diligently at her job at Rockland Psychiatric Hospital in Orangetown. There, she serves as a psychologist for the intake and special languages ward, which were the busiest wards in the hospital and most infected by Covid-19. Almost every one of the patients contracted Covid-19 and several of them have died. At the same time, the State did very little to protect their employees, providing them with poor masks, no eye shields, and only one gown per week. Later, the PPE was better, but during the major portion of the pandemic she worked among the sick and infected. She herself contracted Covid-19 early on from work, either from a patient or other staff member, and was sick for nearly a month. She bravely returned to work and has been at her post, steadfast and reliably, treating her patients.
It is healthcare workers like her who are the heroes and deserve our great praise and gratitude. Sure, we often think of nurses, doctors, and EMS. We forget that we have a hospital that houses more than 400 patients right in our backyard. These patients do not get recognized or get to be released in a few days. They are out of sight and often out of mind. However, they need and deserve care. She was there providing it. Kudos to her and thank you!