32 years of service: Last original Dumont Ambulance crew members retire

The last two original Dumont Ambulance crew members, Doug Tharpe and chief Verla Pecha, have retired after serving for 32 years. Peche retired in July 2017, and Tharpe retired in March 2018.
     “They are the true symbolism of the Dumont ambulance and the surrounding towns we serve. For so many years if you called 911 in Dumont, you knew you were getting Doug and Verla, so myself and the new crew members have some pretty big shoes to fill,” said Ambulance Chief Pam LaRue. “Those two have touched so many lives and made someone’s worst day a little better. Without their perseverance and their service for so many years, we might not still have an ambulance service in our town. Like so many places everywhere, volunteers are getting harder to find, but 32 years is a lot of family events, dinners and holidays. They answered the call without hesitation.” 
     Although Pecha is now officially retired, she has kept her certification updated, and LaRue knows that in an emergency, Pecha always has the crew’s back.
     “I can’t thank Verla and Doug enough for everything they have done,” said LaRue.
     Verla Pecha agreed to share her story with the Tribune-Journal.
 
Read more in the April 26 edition of the Tribune-Journal.