PORT TOWNSEND — One of the first paramedics in Jefferson County has retired after more than 33 years of service in the county.
Rolf Schumann, 67, took on lead roles, including those of marine services manager and EMT senior lead, for the county, according to East Jefferson Fire Rescue (EJFR), which called him an “EMS Legend.”
He was known to many as “Mr. Dependable,” willing to work overtime on numerous occasions through the years, EJFR said.
His last day on the job was Oct. 31.
He had joined the Port Townsend Fire Department in 1990 and EJFR in 1994, according to EJFR.
“He was a dedicated firefighter and very good at teaching the EMT class and working with newly hired firefighters,” said former Fire Chief Gordon Pomeroy.
Pomeroy said Schumann had “seen a lot” through his years of service.
One of Pomeroy’s memories of him was that he solely saved the life of former Quilcene Fire Chief Moe Moser when Moser was hurt in a wreck several years ago.
“EMS was his passion, for sure. He made me want to become a paramedic,” said Medical Services Officer Tammy Ridgway.
“He’s definitely left big shoes to fill,” she added.
Commissioner Deb Tillman recalled Schumann’s “helpful, kind and supportive” approach in his role as EMT senior lead.
“He was very involved with the Marine Service program when he worked with the Port Townsend Fire Department and subsequently instrumental in putting East Jefferson’s Marine program together,” Tillman said.
“Rolf never complained,” said Paramedic Brennan Whiting. “He was always calm and very much a team player.”
Steve Craig, current EJFR commissioner and former assistant chief for the department, thanked Schumann, who ran the EMT class that Craig took.
“Full of energy and hard-working, wonderful teaching. Rolf deserves my thanks for investing in me and helping shape me for a career in the fire service,” Craig said.
“Rolf and some others invested a lot in many of us, which enabled us to have professional careers. They were good examples to younger firefighters to move forward in the fire department.
“People like Rolf have put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into the world of firefighters,” Craig said.
