A former first responder uses her lived experience to support victims, empower law enforcement, and advance MADD’s mission to end impaired driving.
When Danelle “Danny” Zempel was struck by a drunk driver while serving with the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, her life changed irreversibly. The incident was not only physically devastating—it carried emotional and psychological burdens that would shape the years that followed.
“Survivor bias is real—every first responder has a ‘that was close’ moment,” Danny said. “But this time, it wasn’t close. Even though I was able to walk away, it wasn’t something I could just push through. There’s a real stigma in law enforcement that if you survive, you’re expected to stay strong and move on—but the reality is, it’s a long road, both physically and mentally.”
Having responded to countless tragic scenes throughout her career, Danny carried those memories with her as well.
“I’ve been on scenes where people didn’t make it home to their families—and that stays with you,” she said. “I was given that chance, and I don’t take it for granted. I’m incredibly thankful to be here with my husband and my three girls, and that gratitude drives everything I do today.”
As Danny relocated across states and raised a young family, her commitment to advocating against impaired driving never wavered. She went on to earn her Certified Fraud Examiner certification, further demonstrating her resilience and dedication to moving forward with purpose.
Today, Danny resides in Independence, Iowa, where her mission remains steadfast: to help prevent impaired driving through her work with MADD and to support others who have experienced the trauma of these entirely preventable crimes.
Now approaching two years as a MADD Iowa volunteer, Danny has become an essential part of the day-to-day work, offering peer support to victims and survivors. Her empathy and presence help individuals feel understood and less alone in their healing.
“Danny is a powerhouse who consistently turns challenges into milestones,” said Shannon Allen, Iowa Program Manager. “When she first joined us, she was hesitant about public speaking, but her deep respect for the officers who put themselves in harm’s way gave her a new kind of courage. Seeing her find her voice to speak at the Law Enforcement Awards Banquet was a defining moment—it showed exactly the kind of resilience she brings to everything she touches.”
Danny’s influence reaches beyond peer support. She plays an active role in MADD’s Law Enforcement Recognition (LER) program, encouraging local agencies to nominate officers whose work exemplifies strong enforcement of sobriety laws. Her efforts help highlight the individuals who work every day to keep Iowa’s roads safe.
Alongside her husband, she is also strengthening relationships between MADD Iowa and local sponsors, expanding the local office’s reach and increasing its ability to serve the community.
“What makes Danny such an incredible volunteer and partner is her unwavering commitment to the mission, regardless of how much is on her plate,” Allen said. “Whether she’s attending committee meetings with a newborn in her arms, balancing her studies, or securing sponsors for our silent raffles, she leads by example. She has made it her personal mission to ensure MADD’s message is heard loud and clear. Iowa’s roads are safer because of her.”
Volunteers like Danny form the foundation of MADD’s mission. Their courage, dedication, and compassion inspire meaningful change in communities across the nation.
Be like Danny. Make a difference. Volunteer with MADD: https://madd.org/volunteer
Donate to support victims and raise awareness: https://madd.org/donate
