A calm start to the day was shattered on Jan 4, 2024 when a barrage of bullets rang out over breakfast. Dan Marburger, principal of Perry High School in Perry, Iowa since 1997, sprang to action in defense of his students. Dan intervened with the teenage gunman so students could escape. Seven people were injured and a sixth grade student was killed. Dan received multiple gunshot wounds during his heroic actions and he died of his injuries on January 14th. The common denominator used among those who knew Dan was love for his family and friends, his students, his colleagues and his community.