Lisbon Mount Vernon Ambulance service recognized Jim Wallace and Terry Durgin, two longtime volunteers at a ceremony Friday, May 26, at the LMVAS Ambulance Shed.
The duo had a combined 53 years of service for LMVAS.
Families and friends were there to congratulate the retirees.
LMVAS director Jacob Lindauer said that both have been vital to the success of the LMVAS over the years. Durgin spent a few years running the service as a director, among other roles. Wallace, Lindauer said, was influential in doing anything that was needed around the ambulance shed as well as his first responder work.
“The education and experience they have both brought to our ambulance service was greatly appreciated as well,” Lindauer said.
Michelle Omar, who has served alongside Wallace and Durgin, read proclamations from Linn County Board of Supervisors about the duo’s many accomplishments.
Wallace was recognized for his 27 years of service and his exemplary service as a paramedic, responding to calls for emergencies at all times day and night and sacrificing time with his family to be with community members in their time of need, as well as his calm and passionate demeanor.
“He exhibited outstanding leadership skills as a mentor, trainer and educator,” Omar read. “He would inspect the equipment to make sure it was in top order and ready for an emergency at any time.”
Durgin’s proclamation recognized her 26 years with the ambulance service as a volunteer.
“Terry’s training and devotion to service focus on being a pillar of the community,” Omar read.
Durgin’s experience, especially in helping in Haiti in was also noted, with many residents of Haiti having to walk several days to arrive at the medical clinic for care.
Her leadership skills, especially serving as director of the service, were noted.
“The Linn County Board of Supervisors gives our deepest and sincerest thanks for their service to the communities of Mount Vernon and Lisbon,” Omar read.
Jim Wallace and Terry Durgin and their famillies at the retirement reception Friday, May 26 at Lisbon-Mount Vernon Ambulance Service.