Swan Valley Emergency Services remembers Dan Maloughney

SWAN VALLEY - Swan Valley Emergency Services lost a vital member on April 30, 2020. Dan Maloughney served the community for 40 years, starting with the QRU when it formally organized as one of the founding members, then with the fire department upon its inception.

Serving in many formal capacities over the years, the latest being the Medical Chief, Dan was passionate about learning all he could about the COVID-19 virus so he could keep the community and all of our members safe. He was very concerned about the mental health of everyone, whether it be after a difficult call or the general population during this current medical crisis.

He stated that our department was way ahead of many large departments in the fact that we had so much PPE in place for the COVID pandemic.

"Dan was very passionate regarding the physical and mental health of the Condon community. He was also very passionate regarding Swan Valley Emergency Services and very active as Medical Chief," said John Tapp, President SVES. "He along with other members of SVES spent many sleepless nights and long hours at our firehall preparing how to handle the Covid-19 pandemic. The Condon community, SVES and I have lost a great friend."

Dan was instrumental in training courses for both fire and QRU.

"I don't have near as many memories of Dan as the rest of the EMS crew does, but having known him for the last 10 years, I can say he was a very upstanding man. He was always quick to apologize if he thought he did anything that would upset someone, even if they didn't think anything was wrong. The last text I received from Dan was in response to me telling him I was going to Kalispell for the day. All it said was 'ok, be safe.' That kinda sums up how he looked out for his QRU team. Safety was his number one priority," said Jenny Kauffman, SVES member. "My son Jalen also had a special bond with "Lil Danny" as he and his friends called him. Dan was more than just the bus driver, he was a friend. "

"I've been working real close with Dan since I've been Fire Chief, especially since the Pandemic started. He will be truly missed," said Fire Chief Randy Williams.

"Ronnie and Dan both took EMT training early in 1980 along with a few other founding members - 40 years of knowledge, dedication and love for this community," said Tori Matthew, Assistant Medical Chief. "A heart the size of Montana, always the first one to laugh at himself. We used him as a practice dummy a lot and the call to make sure you were "OK" after a particularly bad page. It still isn't real...nope."

When asked what if he had a few words about what he remembered most Assistant Fire Chief Bill Anderson, who worked with Dan since 1987, replied, "I do but it won't come out of my mouth. I'm going to miss him."

This sums it up. We have no words. A true friend, a selfless, giving, dedicated, loving man gone way too soon.

Rest easy. We have your back. Your shift is over. Thank you..........