After 44 years in the Howard County Fire Department, Firefighter Paramedic Erby Perdue, Jr. has retired. Erby started as a volunteer with the Fifth District VFD before becoming a member of the Ellicott City VFD for many years, rising to the rank of Deputy Chief. For the last 31 years he has been a contingent Firefighter Paramedic assigned to the West Friendship VFD.
Members and career staff met at the Howard County Living Farm Heritage Museum in West Friendship on a Food Truck Tuesday to bid a fond farewell to Erby with a short ceremony. Chief Mark Miller and Chief Bill Anuszweski presented Erby with gifts and a plaque and memories were shared by those in attendance.
This is truly the end of an era, and we will miss "Doctor Perdue" and the positive impact he has had on our community, our new EMS members, and our department as a whole. Congratulations Erby, see you on the golf course!