Station agent makes commuting fun

Photo by Harald Hohendorf

DAN CLARKE AND HIS DOG, DAKOTA, ARE THE FRIENDLY DUO THAT MAKES COMMUTING AN ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCE AT THE PUYALLUP SOUNDER TRAIN STATION.

More often than not, Dan Clarke, station agent for Sound Transit’s Puyallup Station, will greet you by name. Clarke, along with his service dog Dakota, a black Labrador mix, are the friendly and familiar duo that make the Sound Transit commuting experience easy and hassle free.

Clarke, 34, is in a wheelchair, the result of an accident he had at 15. He is an incomplete paraplegic; he cannot walk but has some feeling in his lower extremities. His family was living in Hawaii at the time, but moved to the Pacific Northwest shortly after the accident to take advantage of the more “wheelchair friendly” environment. More schools were accessible to the handicapped and Clarke was able to take advantage of more public transportation options.

You will not find Clarke feeling sorry for himself, or talking negatively about his situation. He calls the day of his accident, Aug. 20, his “re-birthday.” He often responds to questions posed by commuters about what it is like to live in a wheelchair, and how he is able to work.

“I want to make a difference, to educate people about what it is like to live in a chair, and that a rich, full and happy life is possible,” Clarke said. “I can work, I can be involved in sports, I can drive, I can have a family, and I can and do share the positive things that have come out of my injury with others.”

Clarke trained his 3-year-old service dog, Dakota, to respond to English, Hawaiian and basic sign language commands. During the heavy snows of the winter of 2008-09, Clarke had trouble getting traction with his wheelchair in the snow and ice. Dakota leaned up against the chair, stabilizing it and allowing Clarke to get the traction he needed to move around the station and serve commuters. Dakota is a great station mascot, and gets near as much attention as Clarke.

Clarke has worked for Sound Transit for four years – two as a dispatcher, then two as the Puyallup Station agent. His split shift allows him the opportunity to pursue his double degree as a personal trainer and a recreational therapy specialist, specializing in disability sports. His injury, he feels, has taught him to work harder, and be more thankful for the unique opportunities that have come his way. He wants to share his positive outlook, and what he has learned from living in a chair, with others who have loss of mobility.

Clarke is involved in the Northwest Wheelchair Basketball Association. He is one of the Tacoma Titans, and has coached for 10 years. The team practices twice a week. All the NCAA rules apply, and the basket is at regulation height. The Tacoma Titans, along with the other four teams in the state, regularly participate in tournaments. The Tacoma Titans are a Division Three team.

Clarke’s wife, Shanna, also works for Sound Transit as a security guard at the Kent Station.

“We met through friends at a barbeque,” Clarke said. “She came to basketball practice the next day and when she was watching me, I couldn’t make a basket. As soon as she left the room, I was making baskets. She came back in and I couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn!”

They will celebrate their fifth anniversary in October.

“He’s the best customer service guy ever,” said Rene, a regular Sounder commuter. “We met and became instant friends. He’s so awesome.”

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