Daniel Malanowski has provided emergency medical care in some unique situations: In the back of a helicopter and at the Arizona Diamondback's stadium, for example.
The Buckeye Fire Medical Rescue Department paramedic captain was recently recognized for his 19 years of service when the Arizona Department of Health Services named him the central region's Emergency Medical Care Technician of the Year. According to a press release from the City of Buckeye, this award recognizes "exceptional EMCTs from each EMS region who have demonstrated outstanding service and dedication to their communities."
"He does a great job. On scenes, he's a very good decision maker," Fire Chief Jake Rhoades said. "We really strive for the family aspect of our department. It's one of our core values and that really is who we are. We are blessed with the people we have and the team we've got and the family we are. It's well known that Dan contributes to that mentality."
Malanowski's career was inspired by his father, an Air Force firefighter. Drawn to the high-adrenaline aspects of the work, Malanowski knew he wanted a similar life. Although he primarily focuses on pre-hospital emergency care and serves as a Glendale Community College EMCT educator, he has also been a firefighter, Air Evac medic on helicopters, lifeguard, emergency department technician and EMT for the Diamondbacks and Phoenix Suns.
"With my background and experience in a lot of different work-related areas, I know I bring expertise," he said. "I think that has really given me the ability to teach in all the aspects that I do because I've seen a lot. ... I'm pretty happy with my career as a first responder and paramedic. I've done just about everything you can do."
Malanowski has worked as a paramedic in Buckeye for 18 years, however, his services goes beyond regular shifts, said Rhoades. Malanowski is actively involved in the community as an advocate for public safety, including as a volunteer for the annual April Pools Day which teaches pool safety to the public and provides CPR training to lifeguards.
"Dan is very involved, very engaged in the department not just as a paramedic, but he also takes a lot of time out of his schedule," Rhoades said.
Malanowski is a founder of the department's cadet program which attracts, cultivates and trains new talent. The program was birthed from the Nest, a mentorship program created in his own home. As the city and department began to grow, Malanowski said he knew a cadet program was needed to attract new medics and firefighters. However, when the pandemic hit in 2020, all plans of such a training initiative were put on hold. The Nest was a solution until the department began their formal cadet program with Malanowski's leadership post-pandemic.
"We were all in the right place at the right time where we all saw the need for a recruiting process and cadet program," he said.
The Nest is no longer operating, however, its social media page is active and provides local job resources. The department's cadet initiative is thriving. Rhoade's own son has gone through the program and he has seen the benefits as both a chief and a parent.
"It's one of the best programs in the department for bringing in new members and mentoring them," Rhoades said, adding Malanowski "has been instrumental in a lot of programs, not just in EMS."
"That tells something about who he is," Rhoades said.
Malanowski is a mentor and trainer for new hires at the department and has also spent 14 years as an EMCT educator at Glendale Community College. He said giving back in this way to the next generation is an important and fulfilling aspect of his work.
"Captain Malanowski is a shining example of selflessness and dedication in the field of public safety," reads the city's press release, "continuously going above and beyond to serve and protect his community."
