Sharon Schmill honored for 20 years of service years ago
Peabody emergency services volunteers gathered Jan. 31 at Peabody Senior Center to honor Sharon Schmill who is retiring after 20 years on the ambulance crew.
About 25 people were present for cake, punch, and reminiscing about Schmill's years of service. She was presented with a plaque recognizing her dedication to Peabody's ambulance service.
During the gathering Marion County dispatch issued a "final call" for Schmill's crew number. Most of the local crew members had their radios turned to the proper frequency to bring the message in loud and clear.
Schmill became an ambulance volunteer after she, her husband Gene, and their children moved to Peabody.
"It was something I always wanted to do," she said. "Moving to Peabody was my chance."
Her mother, Betty Walker, added, "She was a registered nurse and they (the ambulance crew) desperately needed volunteers."
"Actually," quipped her husband Gene, "she didn't get into it to help people or anything like that. She just wanted to drive fast and run the siren."
Schmill said in a way she was sorry to see it come to an end.
But she also is plagued with back problems and ready to put her days as an ambulance crew member behind her.
"It's been interesting and it is very rewarding work," she said. "But it's time for younger members to step up and get involved."
