BOARDMAN, Ohio (WFMJ) - The last year or so, whether we like it or not, is a permanent chapter in all of our lives. Now that we finally see a light at the end of the tunnel, one man in Boardman wanted to make sure we never forget how important those first responders and health care workers have been during the pandemic.

Santon Electric is right on Southern Boulevard, just south of the Surgical Hospital at Southwoods and basically around the corner from St. Elizabeth Hospital in Boardman.

"We're located between two hospitals, other health facilities. Hardly a day goes by that an emergency vehicle including police cruisers, ambulance, fire trucks doesn't pass by," said Dan Santon.

In the height of the pandemic, Dan Santon saw just how dedicated these healthcare workers and first responders really were and knew he had to find a way to show his appreciation.

"When you see the on television you can see they sorrow in their face. They need to know that we appreciate what they do," said Santon.

A couple years ago he put a flag pole up near his building to honor veterans, police officers, and fire fighters.

This winter, he added to it to honor the heroes of the pandemic as well.

"When the coronavirus hit it was an easy decision to extend the memorial to all the heroic workers that risked their own safety to serve all of us," said Santon.

Up went a plaque and he has plans for a brick walkway as well, with the opportunity for people to honor loved ones they lost from COVID-19.

"Growing up I heard about this 1918 Spanish virus, but there was never much talk. No commemoration, no remembrance of it anywhere. So I thought, these people won't be forgotten," said Santon.

Instead, their lives will be celebrated so that when the emergency vehicles rush past on Southern Boulevard they'll know we all appreciate what they've been doing.

"They are sometimes referred to as unsung heroes. We want them referred to as our everyday heroes when they pass by," said Santon.

Heroes who now have a spot to reflect once this is all done.

There is still some work left to do before it's complete, but it should be up and running later this spring.

If you want to check it out yourself, it's at Santon Electric at 7870 Sout

hern Boulevard in Boardman.