HOULTON, Maine — Mike Cummings can still remember some of his earliest memories with the Houlton Ambulance Department.
After 40 years of service, Cummings has decided to retire from the Houlton Ambulance service. The town hosted a retirement party for him Friday, Feb. 28, at the town’s fire department, with a steady stream of well-wishers stopping by to visit.
Cummings got his start in the business when Morris Blanchette and Clyde Hiltz were sitting in a local coffee shop one day and asked him if he was interested in driving an ambulance. He was still in high school, but began working with the department.
“I was doing both school and work and I really loved it,” he said. “I think I was paid something like $8 for a 12-hour shift back in the day. I found I really enjoyed the job and it became my life’s work.”
Cummings quickly worked his way up, becoming an emergency medical technician and ultimately a paramedic with the department.
In the early days, the ambulance service was located at the Aroostook County Jail and was separate from the town of Houlton. He worked alongside Blanchette, Jim Brown, Ken Hanning and Hiltz for a number of years.
In 1976, the ambulance department moved to its current location at 99 Military Street, joining forces with the town’s fire department.
“I have had so many people come up to me over the years and say ‘Do you remember me?’ or thanking me for saving their lives,” he said.
He spent a few years serving in the Air Force, where he also served as a medic.
During his 40-year career, Cummings said he helped deliver six babies in the greater Houlton area. “I think that is a record for the town’s ambulance service,” he joked. “Now, some of those babies have babies of their own.”
Houlton Ambulance Director Milton Cone said Cummings’ retirement will leave a massive void at the ambulance service.
“Mike and I graduated together,” he said. “He worked for the ambulance department while we were in school, while I worked for the town garage. He was the ultimate professional and will truly be missed by all of us here.”
“I have never had a day job in my life,” Cummings said. “I am kind of looking forward to being able to sleep all night.”
