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Photos: First Responders ‘Light The Night’ To Honor Lives Lost To COVID-19

Dane County And Madison Declare March 1 A Day Of Remembrance And Recovery

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Two people in face masks sit in the front of an ambulance.
McFarland EMT firefighters Dani Anderst, left, and Aaron Reilly, right, sit in an ambulance during the Light the Night Tribute on Monday, March 1, 2021, at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wis. Reilly said he found the event humbling. “It’s something a lot bigger than ourselves.” Angela Major/WPR

First responders from across Dane County gathered at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison Monday to honor those who have died from COVID-19.

Rows of firetrucks, ambulances and police squad cars illuminated the night sky for 27 minutes, one minute for every 10 county residents who have died during the pandemic.

Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway said Madison and Dane County declared March 1 a day of remembrance and recovery.

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“For those left behind, the pandemic is doubly cruel,” she said. “Many families were not able to be with their loved ones in their final days.”

Dane County Executive Joe Parisi recalled announcing Dane County’s first case COVID-19 in February 2020. Since then, 273 Dane County residents have died from the virus. Statewide, 6,412 people have died.

“Each one of their stories is worthy of respect. And it is out of respect for their lives lived that we are here tonight,” he said.

Four bright red lights glow into the night from a firetruck where firefighters are sitting.
Members of the City of Madison Fire Department watch the lights from other vehicles from a firetruck March 1, 2021, at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wis. Angela Major/WPR
A singer tilts her head back as she belts a song.
Malika Evanco performs a song at the beginning of the Light the Night Tribute, an event held to honor those who have died from COVID-19, on March 1, 2021, at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wis. Angela Major/WPR
Several lights from emergency vehicles fill the dark night sky with red light.
Ambulances turn on their lights for 27 minutes to remember people who died of COVID-19 on March 1, 2021, during the Light the Night Tribute. Angela Major/WPR
The back of an ambulance displays the words
Lights from ambulances and fire trucks illuminate vehicles with red light March 1, 2021, during the Light the Night Tribute at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wis. Angela Major/WPR
A woman removes a face mask as she approaches the lectern.
Madison mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway removes her mask before speaking at the Light the Night Tribute on March 1, 2021, at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wis. Angela Major/WPR
Ambulances glow with red light.
Ambulance lights shine brightly during the Light the Night Tribute to honor people who died of COVID-19 on March 1, 2021, at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wis. Angela Major/WPR
A police officer in a mask sits in a vehicle as the sky goes dark.
A Village of Oregon police officer wears a face mask in a squad car March 1, 2021, during the Light the Night Tribute at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wis. Angela Major/WPR
A white truck is lit up with red lights as a man sits inside.
Emergency responders light up ambulances, police squad cars, and firetrucks during the Light the Night Tribute to honor people who died of COVID-19 on March 1, 2021, at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wis. Angela Major/WPR
A dark night sky surrounds a firetruck with red lights on. Ice and water on the pavement glow with a reflection.
A firetruck’s lights reflect on melting ice as it is driven away from the Light the Night Tribute on March 1, 2021, at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wis. Angela Major/WPR

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