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Young adult female, Keokuk resident

“This has been sitting with me for a long time, and I haven’t had the courage to say anything until now. I was out on the water alone last year when my boat stalled. The engine just wouldn’t restart, and I was drifting — scared, crying, and trying to stay calm. Eventually, I called for help and KVEC responded.

Dan Tillman was one of the responders who showed up. At first, he acted friendly, cracking jokes and making comments about how I looked. He called me ‘sweetheart’ and asked if I had a boyfriend. I tried to laugh it off because I was so nervous — I didn’t know how else to react.

But then I told him directly that I was uncomfortable with how he was talking to me. That’s when everything changed. His tone went cold. He stopped smiling. He didn’t say much else after that — just gave short, clipped orders. I felt trapped on that boat, completely powerless. I was afraid to even look at him.

I kept thinking, “Please just get me back to shore.” I was terrified of what he might say or do. As soon as we reached the dock, I jumped off and didn’t even try to load the boat myself. I called a male friend and had him come back later to get it.

I didn’t tell anyone. I thought maybe I was overreacting, or that no one would believe me. But now, reading what others are saying, I realize this isn’t isolated. He used his position to intimidate me — and that’s not okay.

I don’t feel safe around him. And I don’t think other women are, either.”

Verified Keokuk resident, former EMT trainee

“In early 2022, I tried to volunteer with KVEC. I had completed my EMT basic and was eager to gain field experience. I was introduced to Dan Tillman by another local responder who had worked with him before.

During the informal interview, everything felt off. Dan barely asked me any questions about my experience or motivation. He looked me over, asked where I lived, and then said something like, ‘We try to keep a certain image with the public — hope you understand.’

I wasn’t sure what he meant at first, but the friend who referred me later told me Dan had made a remark along the lines of: ‘We don’t need diversity points, we need discipline.’

That stung. I realized afterward I was never going to be accepted because of my skin color. I wasn’t lacking skill, commitment, or character — I was just Black.

I never submitted a complaint because I figured no one would believe me or they’d cover for him. But watching what’s coming out now, I know I wasn’t the only one treated like this.”