Did you know..?

   This article is going to have several “Did you know..?” items about the fire service in South Dakota and across the country.

   First, thank you to all the departments that have renewed their SDFA membership for 2025. If you haven’t, yet, you still can. You can pay your dues anytime, but the $10K insurance coverage and discounts for your members will not start until we receive your renewal. And remember to keep your rosters updated. If we need proof someone is on your department, make sure it is in your department records. 

   The extra insurance coverage available through Acrisure was due in January. 

   We have a few dates to plug into your calendar for the year.

   - State Fire School - June 12-14, Watertown

   - NVFC Fall Conference & Meetings - 22-24 September, Rapid City

   - SDFA Fall Fire Conference – 10-12 October, Spearfish

   Keep checking the SDFA website for other events and training opportunities. 

   There are several firefighter I/II classes starting around the state. If you have new members, you may be able to join a class or do most of classroom items online. Check with the fire marshal’s office for classes in your area. 

   On average, there are about 200 new firefighters each year in the state filling much needed spots on our volunteer departments. There are roughly 9,000 firefighters serving in South Dakota. Over 8,500 are volunteers.

   The state of South Dakota has an area of 77,184 square miles. Just over 77,000 square miles are covered by volunteer fire departments. 

   The estimated breakdown across the country is 1.1 million firefighters, with roughly 700,000, almost 65%, being volunteer. 

   Only Delaware and South Dakota have state capital cities covered by volunteer fire departments. 

   We have around 900,000 people in our state. But tourism brings in over 14 million people each year. 

   The likelihood of a volunteer fire department responding to your emergency is extremely high, no matter what state you are living in or travelling through. Unless you need help within the city limits of a larger community, you and your family are going to be served with the dedication and willingness of people who drop what they are doing to help you in your current crisis. 

   We owe it to our family, department, and people we respond to, to be ready and do our best.

   You may have heard a saying, “Would you want YOU to show up to save you?”

   Natural disasters have plagued several parts of our country over the last few months. The devastation of flooding in the east, storms in the south, and fires in the west have tested and stressed responders and families. 

   Take care of yourself physically and mentally. Get an annual physical. Keep current on updates or new things you might be responding to. What to do and not to do.

   We’re all in this together. 

   Valentine’s Day is coming. Do something nice for that someone special.

   Until next time, stay safe.

Charlie Kludt,

SDFA President