HUMAN

Name: Daniel Thyen 
Age: 51
Residence: Anchorage, Alaska
Occupation: Anchorage Police Officer
Years involved with Iditarod: Since the early ‘90s.
Iditarod Role: Keeping the dog mushers and the dogs safe through their crossings on the streets.
Current Location: Downtown, Anchorage, Alaska. 
Date of Photo: March 7, 2020
Temperature: 17F/Outdoors

What, who or how and when did you first get involved with the Iditarod?

I got involved with the Iditarod shortly after arriving in Alaska with the military. I found it to be an interesting event as it, at the time, went through Fort Richardson and volunteered to be part of the people that help take care of the dogs.

What is your Why?..Why are you here today and involved in Iditarod?

I am here today and involved with the Iditarod mainly because I do like the experience. I like the event in downtown Anchorage when all the people come out and cheer on the individual mushers and mostly cheer for the dogs and all the kids that are yelling “bootyie, bootie, bootie!”

Tell me about just one of your most memorable Iditarod experiences?

One of my most memorable Iditarod experiences was when I was at 4th and A Street, and instead of the dog team going down 4th Avenue, they decided to turn and go down A Street. So, as my job at the intersection, I had to help corral the dogs and get them back on the track and headed in the right direction. 

What do you know for sure?:

What I know for sure in life is that we, most of us, work on a daily basis to try to succeed and provide for our family, but I know family is going to be there and family is the most important thing to me.