Ready for the Rest of Summer
Thank you to everyone that attending State Fire School last month in Watertown.
We had around 550 attendees from all areas of the state each day for the weekend of training. I appreciate knowing that we have hundreds of firefighters that have learned something from the knowledge and experience of others, and may make a difference in their careers as volunteers to help others when they call us in their time of need.
Thank you to the membership for maintaining their trust in me for another three years to be President of the SDFA. I like to think that I represent the fire service as well as I can, and listen to our members when concerns and ideas are presented. Explaining the topics of concern, viewpoints, and understand decisions of the SDFA Board to the members, state agencies, and legislative groups can be challenging and rewarding.
I look forward to working with the SDFA Directors and the transition of duties with our Association Management team.
Thank you to Governor Larry and First Lady Sandy Rhoden for stopping by the LATC campus and visiting some of the various training sessions at State Fire School. As a longtime volunteer firefighter, they both understood the importance of practical training, safe operations, and the family aspects of the fire service.
After mentioning well wishes in the election, he had only the simple request to encourage people to get out and vote and increase the voter turnout.
State Fire School will be returning to Watertown and Lake Area Technical College next year, 10-12 June 2027. We already have several of the favorites and suggested courses on the list.
The city of Watertown, Watertown Fire Rescue, Lake Area Technical College, and Performance Towing make for a great partnership in planning fire school. Knowing what we have available and classes that could be sought after makes it entertaining to seek new ideas.
Each year, more and more businesses recognize the dates and show their appreciation to the firefighters that make time to come.
I hope everyone had the opportunity to take something meaningful and memorable home with them. The conversations outside the classroom socializing around a table with a lemonade and Fresca can be just as valuable as the time in the training room. Plus, we all need a good laugh now and then.
Reminder of the deadline for the State Fire Assistance Grant is August 1st.
The $5million grant funding will be similar to the 2023 grant for PPE. Departments registered with the State Fire Marshal Office should have received a package and an email notification of the grant application. If not, contact the State Fire Marshal office.
The Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota (IIASD) also has their annual fire and EMS grant application period open. Check the IIASD website or your local Independent Insure agent for details and application.
The spring and early summer conditions have been sketchy and unpredictable, so far. Review those emergency response and disaster plans before they come. The corn-growing humidity is on the way.
Our neighbors in Nebraska continue to battle wildfires out west and storms in the east. Just a reminder to be prepared.
The SDFA Board is also assisting with the review of codified laws and statutes related to fire service items on the books. If you want to educate yourself, on an evening when you can’t sleep, go to the legislature website and search for words like, firefighter, firemen, fireman, fire service, or any other fire department term you can think of. Then you’ll see how many laws there are related to the fire service in South Dakota.
Happy 205th to America and enjoy your summer.
Stay safe,
Charlie Kludt
SDFA President