DAYTON — Coming to the aid of community members isn’t just something that Danny Hansen preaches, but practices as well.

Hansen has served on the Dayton Rescue Squad for more than three decades, and earlier this year was part of the county advisory committee that helped to pass an essential service levy that will keep rural EMS squads going.

“When I started 35 years ago with Larry Hanson, Edna Will, Rose Chalgren, Carol DeGroot, and Jayson Heesch, it was just us,” said Hansen in February while discussing the future of the Rescue Squad. “It was tough back then, but money didn’t seem to be the issue. But now, there’s just no money. There’s no money to keep this stuff going.”

Even with slim budgets and a community in need of service, Hansen wasn’t deterred by the challenge as he sought out funding to fill the ambulance’s gas tank, to purchase medical supplies, and sought out innovative ways to keep the 52-year-old rescue squad going.

“We do what we need to do to keep the Rescue Squad going for the community,” said Hansen. “This is important.”

While Hansen may sit in the director’s chair of the Dayton Rescue Squad, he’s not one to stand in the spotlight, instead choosing to recognize the many hard-working members of the Dayton community.

“This recognition is really about the community,” said Hansen. “The support given to the rescue squad is the true definition of hometown pride. The support from the Community Club and the city government and the efforts of residents past and present, volunteers from EMS and fire, are the key. By the grace of God, we will continue to work and thrive in our hometown.”