Gengler named permanent DC Ambulance Director

With the future funding mechanism of the Dodge Center Ambulance still in flux, the department will have some more certainty with its leader, after Interim Director AJ Gengler was named the permanent director following a vote by the Dodge Center City Council at their June 10 meeting.
“I am excited to have the opportunity to step into the director role and be part of the great team at Dodge Center Ambulance,” Gengler said.
Gengler, a native of Colman, South Dakota, has been involved with fire and EMS for 14 years working nine of those years as a paramedic. He earned his Master’s of Business Administration- Healthcare emphasis from University of Sioux Falls.
“I started my career volunteering for my hometown fire department following in my dad’s footsteps,” he said.
He has spent most of his career working in rural services but he spent a few years working “for the high volume ambulance service” in Sioux Falls.
Before coming to Dodge Center about three years ago, he served as the director for a rural county service in South Dakota.
“We came to Minnesota to be closer to family and seek further career opportunities. I started at Dodge Center almost three years ago as the Assistant Director/Training Coordinator,” Gengler wrote in an email following the vote.
About a year ago he was named the interim director, during which time he’s been in the thick of discussions about what the future of the ambulance looks like in terms of funding.
“Dodge Center Ambulance is no different than most rural ambulance services in their fight for staffing and funding,” Gengler said. “We continue to work with our communities to find potential solutions. Rural healthcare is a passion of mine since being involved in the industry and recognizing the needs for a sustainable ambulance service.”
He added: “Dodge Center Ambulance, including myself, continue to get the message to our state and federal representatives about the need for funding in EMS. I look forward to finding the solution and continuing our great service to the citizens of Dodge County.”
Gengler currently lives in Dodge Center with his wife and two kids.