DC Ambulance Director to take job with Mayo

The future of the Dodge Center Ambulance is still in question, after talks of a potential taxing district broke down earlier this year.

While officials say the negotiations are expected to continue in the coming months, there will be a new leader for the ambulance service which provides service for Dodge Center, Kasson, Mantorville, Claremont, and several surrounding Townships, after current director AJ Gengler announced he would be resigning, effective Jan. 3.

His next job will be the supervisor of Rochester Mayo Ambulance’s operations.

Gengler made clear he didn’t leave due to the uncertainty of the future of the Dodge Center Ambulance and said instead the timing worked, and it was the best move for his future career, and family.

“I think everybody can say that in their career they always look for opportunity, and it’s just an opportunity that came up,” Gengler said.

In fact, Gengler said he would be staying on as a volunteer.

“I want to stay involved, I want to help where I can with the service I believe in the service. We have something great going here and I want to continue that, and I want to continue being part of it,” Gengler said.

In a prepared statement, Dodge Center City Administrator Lee Mattson said there have been no decisions made on who will take over the top job.

“The Council has not yet given final approval on how to replace AJ. The plan that has been discussed with Council is to hire a part time EMT to help with coverage of the ambulance and then make interim internal appointments for a Director and Operations position,” Mattson wrote. “Council has approved advertising the part-time position and AJ and I expect to ask for Council approval on interim appointments in December. With no long-term plan to maintain the ambulance in place we are hesitant about trying to recruit more full-time staff.”