Local company honored for innovation

DAYTON (WDTN) - The Secretary of State made a stop in Dayton on Wednesday, December 9, to spotlight what she calls one of the most innovative companies in Ohio.

Secretary of State, Jennifer Brunner, said the four-person Daytac team is a great example of what small businesses can accomplish.

"The biggest issue that Ohioans are facing right now is the loss of jobs" said Brunner. "We have so much innovation here in Ohio".

Brunner, who is running for U.S Senate, said she wants to highlight the resourcefulness of residents.

Daytac President, Dan Halsall, invented the Tactical Rescue Stretcher or T.R.S. Brunner got a first hand look at the T.R.S. during her "Innovation Tour".

"My first question to the inventor was whether he was a boy scout," said Brunner, after seeing the stretcher. "I mean how prepared can you be? It's so elegantly simply, it's very low cost and it could actually save lives".

The Tactical Rescue Stretcher is made up of mesh panels, that are built into bullet proof vests and can be easily accessed in the case of an emergency.

Currently, the military is testing the vests for combat use. Daytac is also in talks with several local companies to incorporate similar systems into firefighting equipment.

"We have a lot of other projects we want to work on," said Halsall. 'The more projects we get going, the more manufacturing through lots of different companies."

Halsall has high expectations for Daytac and told Brunner that in the future his company can create jobs and also save lives.

However, being considered one of the most creative companies in Ohio, is a title he is still adjusting to.

"I've never really thought about it," said Halsall. "I think what we are doing is a new idea and it's a very needed idea. I never thought about it as being the most innovative, but it sounds good".

A Springfield woman nominated Daytac to be part of the "Innovation Tour".