FIRST LINE FAN FILES: Eric Pimm

For the past several months, we’ve been highlighting Penguins fans on the FIRST LINE in the fight against Covid-19 on our social media pages.  We wanted to give you a little more info on some of those making a difference, so every Monday we’re introducing you to one of those nominees in our FAN FILES feature.  

Today, we’re chatting with Eric Pimm

Are you an essential worker? 

Yes.  I am a Sergeant in the PA Dept. of Corrections.

For you, what has been the most challenging part of this transition?

Keeping my family safe.  Every day as corrections officers, we go into an environment where social distancing is near impossible. In our prison alone there are over 2200 inmates and at times close physical contact is required to maintain control of what is already a hostile environment.  We do what we can to protect ourselves by wearing masks and frequently washing hands but as someone who has high risk family members, the fear of bringing the virus home to them is something I worry about every day.

What hobbies or activities have you focused on while social distancing?

I enjoy cooking with my son, reading, and using this opportunity to get back into shape.

Is your family, neighbors or community doing anything unique to stay connected?

Yes.  My son plays hockey for the Jr. Pens and our “Hockey Family” has stayed connected with drive by birthday parties, weekly zoom chats (which the kids quickly took over), and by passing around a large gift  bag (by leaving it on the porch of the next recipient) which contains something fun to do or a little gift for the recipient family.  You don’t know who had it last and you drop it off in secret.  It has been very fun seeing what people get and trying to guess who had it last.

What type of music or artists do you listen to?

I’m all about the 90’s !!!

When you are home, what are your favorite snacks?

I don’t know why but I’ve recently become obsessed with Popcorners.

Do you have a book, recipe or TV recommendation?

The book Struggle Well (thriving in the aftermath of trauma) by Josh Goldberg and Ken Falke

wDo you have any suggestions that may help others physically or emotionally?

Take time for yourself each day.  Read, exercise, journal, meditate, whatever gives you the opportunity to take a breath and reset.

Connect with those closest to you.  Everyone is struggling right now.  Stress, worry, confusion, none of these things are exclusive to the “essential employee” community.  Spend time talking and listening to people in your life.

What’s your favorite hockey memory?

The day Pat Mcgrath gave my son a stick!  That was about 3 years ago.. I don’t think he’s stopped smiling since.

When hockey returns, what excites you most? 

Getting back to the arena. It is always a great place to spend time with friends, friends and family.  I also love running into people I haven’t seen in a long time.