West Union has always been a little ... different. One former resident commented recently three things about West Union were way beyond a town of its size. One was the Library, another was the park. But one thing about West Union that was extraordinary was the ambulance service.
West Union paused this week to honor one of its own who was key in developing that service. Rick Poorman died as a result of injuries suffered in a traffic accident involving the ambulance he was working in. No world shattering act, nothing particularly outstanding all, just a traffic accident.
The response has been breathtaking. The funeral visitation started at 4 PM Wednesday and went on until 11 ! People Rick had touched from literally all over the country showed up to honor him.
The funeral Thursday was almost as amazing. Fire departments and ambulance services from all over Illinois and Indiana sent representatives, and equipment to honor Rick
... including a flyover by 2 medical evacuation helicopters.
The community will also pause Thursday evening for the funeral of Steve Daugherty, also lost in that accident. It's been a rough week for West Union
