JACKSON, MI -- Even though much of the state remains shut down due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, there are people who have been and still are working hard to serve the Jackson County community.
Here is a look at some of the men and women who are among those essential workers.
Hannah Gonzalez poses for a photo outside of Henry Ford Allegiance Heath on May 8, 2020. Gonzalez is the Manager of the Respiratory Therapy Department at the hospital. Mikayla Carter | MLive.com
Hannah Gonzalez, Henry Ford Allegiance Health
Hannah Gonzalez has been manager of Henry Ford Allegiance Health’s respiratory therapy department since March.
It’s been a change for her to no longer be at the bedside of patients, and instead managing a team, especially with the pandemic. Gonzalez said her staff is getting into a routine and is prepared, but the first couple days were filled with unknowns.
“At first it was hectic," she said. "We weren’t sure how to care for these patients and emotions were high, but it’s becoming kind of that norm that people are falling into. It’s a routine that we know exactly what we’re supposed to be doing so emotions aren’t as high and morale is coming back up.”
When coronavirus entered Michigan, Gonzalez said the hospital was getting frequent communication, including information from overseas and speaking regularly with the physicians at the hospital.
“There were so many unknowns of how to protect ourselves, but also protect the patients from ourselves and then how do we care for these patients,” Gonzalez said. “The camaraderie between everybody has been amazing.”
Gonzalez’s husband is a farmer, and she is grateful for his support for their family. While she’s at work, he stays home with their children.
Paramedic Alyssa Carden poses for a photo in a JCA ambulance on April, 29, 2020. Mikayla Carter | MLive.com
Alyssa Carden, Jackson Community Ambulance
Alyssa Carden has been a paramedic for five years.
When it comes to her job with Jackson Community Ambulance, she said she, along with other paramedics, are more cautious now when going to a scene and are wearing more personal protective gear when on call.
“It keeps us more on our toes,” Carden said.
Carden, who is a new mother, is also cautious when coming home. She doesn’t hold, hug, or kiss her little boy until she has showered and taken the necessary precautions.
The Jackson community has been generous throughout the pandemic, whether it’s providing food or donating goods, she said.
Carden wishes the coronavirus pandemic would end, but said she’s glad people are taking precautions and staying safe.
“We just have to keep sticking it out,” she said.
Lucas Worden poses for a photo in Polly's Country Market on May 1, 2020. Mikayla Carter | MLive.com
Lucas Worden, Polly’s Country Market
Polly’s Country Market employee Lucas Worden said the stores have taken multiple precautions to keep employees and customers safe, such as putting arrows on the floor for traffic flow and requiring masks.
Members of the community also are offering a lot of support for workers, he said.
“Sometimes you’ll have war vets walk by and say thank you for your service and I’ll have to do a double take,” Warden said. “I mean, I just stock groceries.”
Worden still lives with his parents. Once he gets home he does a “quarantine shower” and makes sure to put his clothes directly in the washer. Due to the pandemic shutdown, he hasn’t seen his girlfriend for four months and said it’s been hard.
“I could use a good date," he said, laughing.
Public Safety Officer Thomas Brower poses for a photo in his police car on May 1, 2020. Mikayla Carter | MLive.com
Officer Thomas Brower, Blackman-Leoni Department of Public Safety
Coronavirus hasn’t changed life much for Blackman-Leoni Department of Public Safety officer Thomas Brower.
He’s always kept his police car clean, and frequently uses hand sanitizer or washes his hands. But, now he also keeps his distance from people and wears a mask.
When Brower finishes his work day, he usually leaves his uniform and boots at work, where they are sterilized. If he does bring his uniform home to be washed, he keeps it in a plastic bag until putting it in the washer.
When he’s not working, he is caring for his father or his mother-in-law. He provides them with groceries and gets them other items they may need.
Matt Southard poses for a photo in front of his truck at the Modern Waste Facility in Napoleon on May 15, 2020. Mikayla Carter | MLive.com
Matt Southard, Modern Waste
Matt Southard, a Modern Waste sanitation worker, starts work at 4:30 a.m., and once he hits the road it’s nonstop until the trash is collected.
There has been an increase in trash pickup during the coronavirus pandemic, he said, adding he’s now more careful when dealing with the trash.
“With this job we never know what we’re exposed to, so for me, I understand the risk and it’s just another day," he said. “The job has to get done and I have to support my family.”
When he saw the sign on the fence outside of Modern Waste that said, “Heroes work here,” Southard said it made him feel good because he knew the community was supporting him and his co-workers.
“Its nice to know people appreciate everything we do,” Southard said. “Its a dirty job. It’s a hard job, so getting that recognition sometimes is really nice."
Mari Lamb poses for a photo in Polly's Country Market on May 1, 2020. Mikayla Carter | MLive.com
Mari Lamb, Polly’s Country Market
Mari Lamb, a Polly’s Country Market employee, said the coronavirus has affected her personal life more than her work life. She’s a Northwest High School senior and member of the track team.
“I didn’t get to enjoy my senior year,” she said.
When it comes to her home life, Lamb said her family has not been affected by the virus much. She and her father are still working, while her stepmother stays home with the rest of the family. But, not being able to see the rest of the family has been tough, Lamb said.
Elizabeth Lorencen poses for a photo outside of Henry Ford Allegiance Health where she is a Registered Nurse on May 11, 2020. Mikayla Carter | MLive.com
Elizabeth Lorencen, Henry Ford Allegiance Health
Elizabeth Lorencen is a registered nurse at Henry Ford Allegiance Health where she works in a progressive care unit.
Coronavirus has been a challenge, she said, but she’s enjoyed stepping up to the plate. Much like with other nurses, Lorencen’s job has changed in that she has had to train more in critical care.
The patient-to-nurse ratio has gone down to provide more one-on-one care, Lorencen said, adding she is the eyes and ears for the doctors when they are not with patients. Along with working closely with doctors, Lorencen also works with physical therapists, occupational therapists and nutritionists.
"I think we’re all kind of in a groove. We have adjusted fairly well,” Lorencen said. “Every day we never really knew what we were walking into, and even every hour it seemed like something would change.”
Staff members have been supportive of one another, Lorencen said.
“You can tell when maybe a co-worker is having a little bit of a rough day; you can let them lean on you a little bit,” she said.
When Lorencen is done with work, she leaves her scrubs at the hospital and immediately washes once she gets home. It can get lonely at home, Lorencen said, as she hasn’t seen her family or her friends.
“During this time, the best thing for me is coming to work because at least then I am around a supportive group that we’re all kind of going through the same thing,” she said.
Public Safety Officer Alex Watson poses for a photo outside of East Jackson Memorial School on May 1, 2020. Mikayla Carter | MLive.com
Officer Alex Watson, Blackman-Leoni Department of Public Safety
Blackman-Leoni Department of Public Safety officer Alex Watson has been based at a former East Jackson school.
After 14 officers were quarantined, the department’s administration decided to base those who respond to rescue and medical calls at the school to protect other officers.
“It keeps the exposure away from everybody else,” Watson said.
When on a call, Watson said all necessary precautions are being taken, such as wearing a gown, gloves, mask and a Tyvek suit, if needed. The job -- serving the community -- has remained the same, though, he said.
Paramedic Robert Snedeker poses for a photo in a JCA ambulance on April, 29, 2020. Mikayla Carter | MLive.com
Robert Snedeker, Jackson Community Ambulance
Coronavirus has impacted his work life and personal life, Jackson Community Ambulance paramedic Robert Snedeker said.
It’s changed how paramedics take precaution, he said, with the type of call dictating the amount of protective gear worn before entering a scene.
But Snedeker also lost his grandmother to the disease, he said. He and his father were not able to see her before she died.
Snedeker’s wife also has been laid off from her job and is receiving unemployment benefits, he said.
Snedeker continues to take all the precautions to ensure his family remains safe, he said. When he comes home from work, he leaves his shoes outside, puts his clothes in the washer, and makes sure to take a shower. He also takes advantage of the early grocery store hours set for first responders.
“Our family is doing all right," he said. “We are able to live pretty normal lives right now.”
Lauren Bryan poses for a photo at Polly's Country Market on May 1, 2020. Mikayla Carter | MLive.com
Lauren Bryan, Polly’s Country Market
Polly’s Country Market employee Lauren Bryan said she’s seen her store take multiple precautions, such as frequent cleaning, plexiglass going up on each register and masks being a requirement.
But stress has been a big factor for he, she said. Part of her job was to place ads within the store, but once the virus hit Jackson, she was moved to the front to help with the registers.
When it comes to home, Bryan said she cleans and watches Netflix, instead of going out.
“I wake up. I come to work. I work for eight an a half hours and then I go home,” she said.
Deputy Benjamin Roe poses for a photo outside of the Jackson County SheriffÕs Department on May 6, 2020. Mikayla Carter | MLive.com
Deputy Benjamin Roe, Jackson County Office of the Sheriff
Coronavirus has meant many changes for Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy Benjamin Roe.
After every call, Roe wipes down the interior of the police car and his computer. Road citations have gone down, he said, but are still handled the same -- just with a mask and gloves.
When he heads home, Roe lets his family know if he’s been in a situation they should be aware of.
Community and businesses have supported the department by donating lunches, gloves and masks, he said.
“I was at a car-deer accident one of the first weeks we were quarantined and it was a local business owner," Roe said. “He gave me a handful of rubber gloves. I wish I would have gotten the gentleman’s name to thank him later on.”
Jeff Glover poses for a photo in front of a a garbage truck at the Modern Waste Facility in Napoleon on May 15, 2020. Mikayla Carter | MLive.com
Jeff Glover, Modern Waste
Modern Waste employee Jeff Glover has worked for the company for more than three years. He said trash has increased during the pandemic.
The sign saying “Heroes Work Here” that community members placed in front of Modern Waste’s office "made me feel important,” he said.
Glover also has seen messages on the sidewalk thanking him for his service, and that’s nice too, he said.
Public Safety Officer Justin Davis poses for a photo outside of East Jackson Memorial School on May 1, 2020. Mikayla Carter | MLive.com
Officer Justin Davis, Blackman-Leoni Department of Public Safety
Blackman-Leoni Department of Public Safety officer Justin Davis said his job hasn’t changed much. But the coronavirus has increased awareness.
“I choose to not let it control me... or let the fear get to me,” Davis said.
When responding to a scene, Davis said dispatch gives officers all necessary information so they know what to expect when entering a scene. Officers also all have the necessary safety equipment, he said.
President of Modern Waste Philip Duckham poses for a photo in his office on Friday, May 15, 2020.Mikayla Carter | MLive.com
Philip Duckham, Modern Waste president
Although businesses and schools are currently closed, there’s still trash that needs to be picked up and that is where Modern Waste comes in Modern Waste President Philip Duckham said.
Modern Waste has 55 trucks in operation and hauls around 18 million pounds of refuse per month. That hasn’t declined since the COVID-19 outbreak, Duckham said.
“We didn’t know what to expect, but we just kind of made due,” he said.
When the virus first hit Michigan, Modern Waste closed its office and facility to the public to cut back on the interaction between employees and customers, Duckham said. Since then, the business has slowly started to reopen to the public, he said.
When face masks were hard to purchase, Duckham said the wife of one of his employees made masks for employees. Duckham has also has given each employee a $500 bonus check in appreciation for their service, he said.
Sgt. Gregg Conley poses for a photo inside the Jackson County Jail on May 6, 2020. Mikayla Carter | MLive.com
Sgt. Gregg Conley, Jackson County Jail
At the Jackson County Jail, officers typically are in charge of taking in prisoners, transporting them from the jail to the courthouse and releasing them when warranted.
Now, due to coronavirus, Sgt. Gregg Conley said that’s changed. Prisoners are no longer transported from the jail to the courthouse as procedures are being done by video conference. Jail personnel are also wearing masks and cleaning more than usual to keep everyone safe.
Conley said he has not personally been affected by COVID-19, and he’s taking all necessary precautions before entering his home. His uniform is left at the jail, and once he gets home he heads right to the shower, he said.
Both Conley and his wife are still working, he said, and are fortunate to have opposite days off so they’ve not had to worry about childcare.
Amanda Ahrens poses for a photo outside of Henry Ford Allegiance Health on May 8, 2020. Ahrens is the CRNA Coordinator for the Anesthesiology Department at Henry Ford Allegiance Health.Mikayla Carter | MLive.com
Amanda Ahrens, Henry Ford Allegiance Health
Amanda Ahrens is the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist coordinator for the anesthesiology department at Henry Ford Allegiance Health.
Her job entails administering anesthesia during surgery and, since COVID-19, Ahrens’ job has changed to include providing airways for patients.
“We took on the responsibility of doing all the airway management hospital-wide so that put us in places we don’t typically work in, so we were covering the (intensive care unit) and (emergency room) and also anywhere else in the hospital that anyone needed airway management,” she said.
“When people become critically ill and have respiratory problems like what happens with COVIED -19, we are the team that went around and placed the breathing tubes for these critically ill patients that needed to be ventilated.”
In her many years in health care, Ahrens said she has never seen such effort and teamwork.
“It is stressful and its difficult but at the same time its been uplifting to see how everyone comes together,” Ahrens said. “Watching my staff take care of one another, I would definitely say it was like watching family take care of each other.”
However, seeing patients who were not able to have their family members with them was difficult Ahrens said.
“I think on so many levels, (coronavirus) has personally affected me,” she said.
Sgt. Darin Mcintosh poses for a photo outside of his police care on May 1, 2020. Sgt. Mcintosh has been on the job for for 13 years. Mikayla Carter | MLive.com
Sgt. Darin McIntosh, Blackman-Leoni Department of Public Safety
Blackman-Leoni Department of Public Safety Sgt. Darin Mcintosh said his job has relatively been the same.
“I’ve always kind of been a germaphobe,” he said. "I always wear gloves when on scene with people. And all the way back to our academy days officers were taught to maintain a reactionary gap of six feet or greater. The mask thing is new mainly because it feels like I’m being suffocated slowly.”
When it comes to his home life, Mcintoshthe said the virus has affected him more. He and his wife have taken extra precautions to keep their children safe.
“When we get home from work we are taking showers before we have any contact with our kids,” he said.
One of the nicest things during the pandemic is seeing the community’s support, Mcintosh said.
“We’ve been spoiled lately,” he said. “We have a plethora of supplies being dropped off.”
Deputy Corrie Abbey poses for a photo inside the Jackson County Jail on May 6, 2020. Mikayla Carter | MLive.com
Deputy Corrie Abbey, Jackson County Jail
There are fewer arrested people coming into the Jackson County Jail and much more cleaning going on, Deputy Corrie Abbe said.
When dealing with those who enter the jail, he said patience is key.
“They’re obviously scared coming in,” Abbey said. “They’re coming into a facility they are not choosing to come into and they don’t know what they are coming into.”
Abbey’s home life also has been affected by the virus. His wife is a nurse at Henry Ford Allegiance Health.
“It scares both of us because we have kids at home... we have the unknown,” he said.
To protect the children he and his wife take showers once they come home from their shifts.
“There’s no hugs," Abbey said. “We don’t get any hugs. We both work 12 hours a day and the first thing we do is go right to the shower. You can’t hug dad or you can’t hug mom.”
Deputy Corrie Abbey poses for a photo inside the Jackson County Jail on May 6, 2020. Mikayla Carter | MLive.com
Deputy Edward Serbantez, Jackson County Jail
Interaction between people has changed within the job, said Deputy Edward Serbantez of the Jackson County Jail.
There are four to five deputies working at a time and they are all trying to be mindful of their distance, he said, adding that everyone is working diligently to keep the facility clean.
“It affects our whole work flow here,” he said.
When he’s done with work, he washes up, cleans his clothes and then wipes down his vehicle, he said.
“It’s kind of added time to our job,” Serbantez said.
Serbantez’s wife works at Ann Arbor’s C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital on the coronavirus floor, and he said they have also been trying to keep their distance.
“Once you get home you want to just cleanse everything that you’ve touched," he said. "And you’re worrying did I get something today or not.”
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