Though Manhattan's usually massive party was muted Thursday night, there were still some people who will need to be
protected within Times Square.
Police
blocked off access to the area around Times Square, but there were shows going live on many networks. That's where Westchester's own Joe Russo comes
in.
Since
2008, Russo and his team at T&M Protection have guarded the co-hosts and
stars on Dick Clark's Rockin' Eve on ABC. He says it takes several weeks to get
ready and coordinate with the NYPD.
"We have to look at the choreography of the event itself
to make sure we're going to be in the right position to escort the talent,”
says Joe Russo.
Russo
says that everyone who was part of the New Year's Eve production, from the
stars, to the production team, to the security detail had been tested multiple
times for the coronavirus.
Although
Times Square won't be crowded this year, people planned to
celebrate – just social distantly.
"I'm distancing from friends. I work in healthcare, I
know how important it is,” says Jenna Snyder. “So I'm just having it with my
family.”
And
while attendees can't see the ball drop in person, there's an app to help you
feel like you're there - VNYE will give you nine views of the ball drop.