Longtime volunteer conquers morbid task
June 13--Monson, a Welcome resident, has volunteered with the Davidson County Rescue Squad for 21 years. The 66-year-old who holds the rank of captain is one of three drivers who regularly operate Truck 65. That vehicle transports bodies to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Raleigh for autopsies.
"Somehow you just don't get involved in what it is, what's happening," Monson said, referring to how he handles the morbid task. "It's a job to do. It kind of takes away from the meaning for the family. You can't get involved in it, personally, with every one of them."
While he attempts to have thick skin, Monson acknowledges it's hard emotionally to transport deceased children. The Davidson County Rescue Squad is contracted to do the transports through the medical examiner's office.
"It falls down to us, and somebody here has to do it," Monson said.
Around the station, Monson is known as "Bubber." He gained the nickname years ago because his uncle was nicknamed "Bubba."
Monson, a 1964 graduate of Lexington Senior High School, retired after 37 years with the N.C. National Guard in 2003. He was a sergeant first class and ended his career as administrator at the National Guard Armory in Lexington.
Retirement hasn't slowed down Monson who not only is a part-time employee/volunteer with the rescue squad but is a part-time emergency medical technician with Davidson County Emergency Services. With the rescue squad, he is paid for between eight and 10 hours to man the station and drive the trucks to the scene of incidents. Monson also volunteers about 20 hours a week responding to calls.
"There is some excitement in it, being at the emergency scene atmosphere and being able to help some people," Monson said of why he continues to volunteer.
Monson decided to enter the volunteering and the paramedic field when his daughter, Jamie Thomas, enrolled in an EMT course. She needed a partner in the class, so the father decided to enroll as well. Needless to say, Monson enjoyed the class and decided to pursue volunteerism with DCRS and working for Davidson County EMS. He's been with the two entities since 1992.
As far as his most rewarding moments, Monson recalled being involved in a couple of events in which people were successfully resuscitated with CPR.
"I enjoy doing it," Monson said of volunteering with the DCRS. "I can see probably five more years.
Monson is married to wife Mary. They have two grown children, Jamie Thomas and Steven Monson. They also have four grandchildren, Alex Pegram, 22, Emma Thomas, 16, Sara Kate Monson, 5, and Sawyer Neil Monson, 3.
Darrick Ignasiak can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 217, or at darrick.ignasiak@the-dispatch.com.
Copyright 2013 - The Dispatch, Lexington, N.C.
