First responders from more than 50 agencies participate in third annual goodnight lights celebration
The parade has become a huge part of the Children’s Tower birthday festivities.
May 01, 2025
The tradition started as a way to help patients settle in for their first night in their new hospital rooms. This year, more than 50 fire trucks, ambulances, and patrol cars took part. (Eva Russo, Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU)
By Kate Marino and Misti Davidson
Dozens of emergency vehicles with lights and sirens in full effect were a welcome sight during a special night at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU’s Children’s Tower on Wednesday.
More than 50 fire trucks, ambulances, and patrol cars took part in the now annual tradition called goodnight lights. The parade was organized to celebrate the second birthday of the Children’s Tower with patients, their families, providers and hospital staff.
The tradition started when the state-of-the-art pediatric care facility opened on April 30, 2023, as a way to help patients settle in for their first night in their new hospital rooms and has been a part of the birthday festivities ever since.
“Two years ago, we opened our 16-story Children’s Tower, bringing pediatric inpatient, emergency and Level I trauma care under one roof. Seeing our first responders celebrate our patients that night brought tears to my eyes,” Vice President of Operations for CHoR Jeniece Roane, Ph.D. said. “This is an event that shows in a huge way how special our community is, and that we’re all here to support our children. To be a part of it is truly unforgettable.”
But the impact isn’t just felt by caregivers and their patients. The first responders find the event just as meaningful.
"VCU Police is proud to help shine a light on the life-changing care and relationships built at CHoR each and every day. It fills our officers' hearts each year to see these amazing children, families and providers shine their lights back to our team on the street,” VCU Police Chief Clarence T. Hunter Jr. said. “To me, lights are a connection between points, and we hope these young people can see our officers are in their corner during their health journey."
The Children’s Tower is celebrating many milestones from the past year on its second birthday, including the opening of the region’s first pediatric cardiac lab, the debut of its 3400 square foot Child Life Zone and establishment of its first pediatric brain tumor biobank to aid research and treatment.
A hospital for kids, unlike any other. Learn more about the Children's Tower.
