Dan King Selected As Hillsboro's 2017 Firefighter Of The Year

HILLSBORO, OR — Only a select few outside the Hillsboro Fire Department knew the work being done by Engineer/EMT-Paramedic Dan King before this past November; but now, with acknowledgment from his peers, King's many contributions not only to the department but also the city and its many residents will be rewarded and well-known throughout the community.

Hillsboro fire officials on Monday announced King was selected as the 2017 Firefighter of the Year, an honor for which he'll be formally recognized at the Hillsboro American Legion Post 6 Annual Firefighter Appreciation Dinner March 13.

"Dan King exemplifies professionalism and excellence in his service to the community as a Hillsboro firefighter," Fire Chief David Downey said in a statement. "He inspires us through his commitment to continuously helping others and is well deserving of the award."

A trainer of new recruits and member of the fire department's Apparatus Committee, which ensures fire engines are well-equipped for every job, King has made many contributions to the department, HFD spokesman Bruce Montgomery said.

Additionally, Montgomery continued, King also helps with the Hillsboro Firefighters Random Acts organization, a nonprofit that — among many things — hosts the annual Toy & Joy program in November and December.

King was recently made point man for the Toy & Joy program following the tragic death of former Toy & Joy coordinator Ryan Grimaldi, a close friend of King's who died during a hunting trip in Eastern Oregon in early November 2017.

"Ryan had a such a loving and giving heart … there's no better way to honor someone like that than to just keep doing it," King said to a massed group of motorcycle riders prior to the annual ABATE Toy Run in November, which supports the Toy & Joy program. "It's the best thing that could be done. No better way to honor Ryan than to keep giving — reflecting his personality in the community."

Previously, Grimaldi ran the program with King assisting in the background. This year, King was thrust into the main position; and despite the timing and emotional weight the new responsibility brought to his table, King handled the entire charitable event with grace and poise, helping to make this past Christmas special for thousands of Hillsboro children.

"I’m so grateful to be honored by people I have much respect and admiration for," King told Patch in an email. "Many people in our department are just as, if not more so, deserving than I. A lot of them have helped me immensely in the very endeavors for which I was given the award.

"It also feels great to be part of an organization that gives us the opportunities to do more than just our day to day job," he continued. "I’m very thankful."

Image via Hillsboro Fire Department