Almost everyone knows Dale Demontigny – from her involvement in town with the Fire Department, the Ambulance Corps, the Little River Grange, or from living her whole life in Hampton. The daughter of legendary volunteers Arthur and Helen Pearl, she has many friends and relatives here. And we know her as someone who is kind, friendly, responsible, intelligent, generous, gentle, calm, and above all, humble. Thus it was her family’s suggestion, in the absence of celebratory gatherings, that the town newspaper recognize Dale as she retires after 42 years from a long and illustrious career in nursing. It’s an honor.
Dale’s interest in the medical field began when she joined the Ambulance Corps at the age of sixteen. Her volunteerism included serving as secretary and treasurer for the Corps, and as a member of Day Kimball’s third graduating class, she became an Emergency Medical Technician in 1975. Her experiences as an EMT led her to consider a career in nursing, and she enrolled in the two year program at Mohegan Community College, now Three Rivers, graduating in May of 1979.
In September of 1979, Dale started working at Windham Hospital. Her first assignment was on the Greer Wing, the post-surgical floor. She then trained for the Operating Room, participating in a two year certification program at the hospital. She served as a scrub nurse the first year, which Dale explains as the role of a technician. She then served as a patient advocate, preparing all materials, equipment, and information for the patients and the surgeons. In her last position as charge nurse, she managed the department, preparing for the daily schedule and planning for future scheduled surgeries. Dale has worked in the department for 35 years.
Dale was involved in some “firsts” at Windham Hospital, including the first laser surgery. She also served as the Laser Safety Officer for a while. She participated in the first laser tonsillectomy, and was part of the surgical team’s first laparoscopic cholecystectomy to remove gallbladders. These advancements made outpatient surgeries possible. Dale has been present for many Cesarean Sections, some emergent, her experiences at the hospital ranging from births to deaths. She has been involved in surgeries for numerous family members, friends, and neighbors. “I’m glad you’re here,” are familiar words and dear to her heart. During her tenure, she was the recipient of the hospital’s “Care Giver of the Year” award in 2002, and was awarded the “Nightingale Award” in 2015, nursing’s highest honor.
In the last few years, Windham Hospital has seen many changes, particularly in terms of trauma and vascular cases which are sent to Hartford. The Ob-Gyn department moved a few years ago. Then the Covid pandemic struck and stopped all scheduled surgeries with only on -call procedures performed. Perimeters were issued by the CDC, and the hospital needed to adhere to all recommendations in terms of procedures, such as cross-contamination protocols, and structural changes, like the use of negative pressure rooms. Administrators found other duties for staff to perform within the hospital while there were no surgeries. The hospital is starting to open up now, with staff returning to almost normal levels.
When asked what the most difficult aspect of her career was, without hesitation Dale answered: “the hours.” She explained that the Operating Room is not a 9 to 5 job, and after working 40 hours a week, being “on call” can add hours to the work day as well as weekends. “It pulls you away from family,” she laments. The most rewarding aspect? Hearing the words, “I recognize you! You helped me!” She recalled one man who saw her working at the Fire Department’s Annual Ham and Bean Dinner and said, “I know you!” It’s a wonderful way to be remembered.
Plans for retirement are simple: projects in and around the house. That “on call” designation never really allowed Dale to begin a large project because there was always the prospect of not being able to complete it. She’s looking forward to not having to rely on the clock to dictate her time. Dale is still a member of the Fire Department, serving for twenty years now, and this is her husband Dave’s 54th year with the Fire Department, where he previously has served as Chief. She’s looking forward to spending time with him, too.
Congratulations, Dale, on your deserved retirement. Thank you for your service at our local hospital and with the Ambulance Corps, and your continued service with the Fire Department. We look forward to a time when the current restrictions end, and we can congratulate you in person, hopefully at the Annual Ham and Bean Dinner, when we can proudly say — “I know you!”