(NORFOLK, NE) He's the first to admit he's more comfortable in a support role than a spotlight, but this Hometown Hero has helped countless people working and volunteering in Norfolk and the surrounding communities of northeast Nebraska.
He told us he just encourages others to reach their goals, and as we found out, along the way he surpassed a few of his own.
Doctor Tom Surber has been practicing medicine in Norfolk, Nebraska for 36 years.
"I've had four buildings, six practice names, and my old original paper charts are with me," says Surber.
In that time he has given thousands of patients like Desiree Martinson hope and health.
"They issue me a problem and I do my best to help them solve the problem," says Surber.
Desiree's problems started 26 years ago, the night she met Doctor Surber at the corner of 12th and Norfolk Avenue.
"He saved my life right after the car wreck in 1985," says Martinson.
"The ambulance was there, the police were there, lots of lights were all around," says Surber.
After a few drinks, Desiree was headed East on Norfolk Avenue. She lost control, made her way through a funeral home front yard and crashed into a house. Lucky for her, Tom Surber was living across the street.
"We found that Desiree was have serious problems with breathing," says Surber.
Severe head injuries, chest punctures, various lacerations and contusions could have taken Desiree's life, but the man she calls her guardian angel was their to help.
"I have something most doctors in Norfolk don't have, that's an EMS viewpoint," says Surber.
That viewpoint has made an impact on not only Desiree 26 years ago, but every patient treated by the Norfolk Fire Rescue Division for nearly four decades.
"For 35 plus years, Doctor Surber has been an integral part of our operations here at Norfolk Fire," says Scott Cordes, Assistant Fire Chief, Norfolk Fire/Rescue Division.
He teaches paramedics how to save live as the department's Medical Director.
"He's passionate about what he does, he cares deeply about the people that he serves, and he is one of the best assets and partners that Norfolk Fire has ever had, period," says Cordes.
The Many Rivers District of the Boy Scouts of America couldn't agree more.
"What Doctor Surber has done has exemplified a leadership value that is like no other," says Tracy Yost, District Executive of Many Rivers.
Tom has been actively scouting, mentoring, and teaching boys throughout northeast Nebraska for most of his life.
"His long standing service of 50 years plus has done tremendous amounts of good for the community and for the youth," says Yost.
"We know where the example that they live by has come from," says Sue Fuchtman, Mayor of Norfolk.
And the Norfolk City Council thinks so, too, making Doctor Tom Surber the 2011 recipient of the Edward I. Vrzal Award, an honor recognizing excellent civic contributions by one very special citizen.
"Thank you for everything you have done for the City of Norfolk," says Mayor Fuchtman.
To Tom, it's not about patients, paramedics, or potential leaders of tomorrow. For him it's about people, and to those he helps, that's obvious.
"He's got a heart of gold and he's the best doctor in town," says Desiree Martinson.
And now he adds hometown hero to life's resume.
"Humbling. Very humbling," says Surber.
A typical response for the man affectionately known as "Doc" Surber.
And while plenty of people wish he would work forever, Doc Surber has decided to retire from his family practice. He will say goodbye to his patients in June, and plans to spend his time gardening, playing piano and enjoying plenty of good company through his countless volunteering venues that he's not quite ready to give up yet.
If you'd like to nominate a Hometown Hero, just click here to go to the Hometown Heroes section of our website.
