Ypsilanti Fire Department honors 'humble man'
Dana Taylor calls himself a humble man.
The father of two has been managing the Ypsilanti Towne Center retirement community on Michigan Avenue for 10 years - and both co-workers and residents there heap on the praise when discussing his impact.
"He's an exceptional young man," said resident Elsie Barnett.
The Ypsilanti Fire Department also says he's the best building manager in the city. For that, firefighters showed their gratitude by giving him an Outstanding Citizen Award on Friday.
Dana Taylor and Ypsilanti Firefighter Ken Hobbs hug after Taylor is presented with an outstanding citizen award.
David Wak | For AnnArbor.com
Ypsilanti Fire Captain Max Anthouard said Taylor is the most prepared building manager in an emergency, a view shared by other firefighters and Huron Valley Ambulance paramedics.
Anthouard said when there's an emergency in the building - like a fire alarm or a medical call involving one of the residents - Taylor makes sure all the entrances are easily accessible to emergency personnel and directs them where to go.
Anthouard said other building managers in the city aren't always so organized, and sometimes his firefighters arrive and have no idea where a fire or someone needing medical assistance is located. He said that can waste precious time in responding to an emergency.
"When we're talking about seconds that saves lives," Anthouard said.
Property manager Rochelle Chapman said Taylor is the best she's ever worked with, and she's been managing the Towne Center for 15 years. Assistant manager Grena Hill said Taylor always goes above and beyond what's expected of him.
"He's security, police, and caregiver," Hill said.
Taylor said the award was humbling, and he was just doing his duty as a citizen. He said whatever greatness he possesses at his job comes from the good people he has around him like his family, co-workers and the residents.
"I try to be the best I can for the community," Taylor said.
Resident Liz Marbury called Taylor her "little brother" and praised his work ethic. She said when something needs doing, he gets it done with little delay and no complaints.
"I think he's a nice, hard working man," Marbury said.
David Wak is a freelance writer for AnnArbor.com. Reach the news desk at news@annarbor.com or 734-623-2530.
Comments
darknyt
Sun, Nov 1, 2009 : 12:02 a.m.
Finally a positive story to read about. Thank you Mr Taylor for inspiring us all. If only more were like yourself then the world would be a much better place. Then again maybe it would be boring. Anyways congratulations on a great honor and thanks for great service!
sdgretired
Sat, Oct 31, 2009 : 4:13 p.m.
Our Maintenance Supervisor, Dana Taylor, genuinely cares about the senior residents of Towne Centre Place. He is an honorable man and a man of integrity. He is courteous to all of the residents. This is not always easy, because some residents can be quite difficult and mean-spirited. Dana is our GUARDIAN ANGEL!! He deserves this award and so much more!! Thank You, Dana, for treating us with compassion and respect! I wish other members of Management, in the building, would treat us the same way!! Sincerely, sdgretired, Resident of TCP