9th annual light show closes Broad Street to honor Shriners kids
First responders from across the region lined the street Monday night to shine lights on children receiving care at Shriners Children's Hospital.
By Fatou Mitchell ·
Broad Street in North Philadelphia shut down to traffic on Monday night as police, firefighters, and community members gathered for the ninth annual Good Night Lights event outside Shriners Children's Hospital. The street between Tioga and Venango was closed to allow first responders to line the curb and wave at patients inside.
The event moved up from its original schedule after a one-week delay. The Philadelphia Police Department had postponed the previous week's gathering to prepare for the funeral of Sgt. Shane Sieber. Sieber was killed in the line of duty earlier this month in a West Philadelphia shooting that also seriously wounded Officer Hector Rodriguez.
Deputy Commissioner John Stanford noted the timing added a layer of personal significance for the department. "This is an uplifting type of event for us as well," Stanford said. He described the gathering as a way for first responders to support each other while also focusing on the children in the hospital.
Christina Aristoklis of Malvern helped organize the event through the Michael Archangel Ministry, a program of FOP Lodge 5. She said the display reminded attendees to focus on those who need support. "We should support people who aren't as fortunate," Aristoklis said. She added that having healthy children is a blessing not everyone shares.
Local resident Monica Hill said the event provides a rare moment of joy for hospitalized children. "The children that are in Shriners, they don't get to come out a lot, so to see this, it's beautiful," Hill said. Chopper 6 flew overhead during the event, adding to the visual display of lights and sirens.
Pennsylvania State Police and departments from Montgomery and Bucks counties joined the Philadelphia units for the night. It was the first year the Philadelphia Fire Department participated in the tradition. Philadelphia Police Sgt. Michael Cerruti told the crowd, "Listen, we're here for ya," as officers shone flashlights toward the hospital windows.
Organizers stated the lights served a dual purpose. They aimed to encourage the children receiving medical care and to show solidarity with first responders navigating a difficult month. Cerruti said the event lets patients know their community is with them at every step of their challenge.
