Summer is coming to shine
State Fire School 2025 is in the bag. With weather that played semi-nice for the over 390 firefighters in class each day, the total attendance for the weekend was over 900 firefighters, auxiliary, instructors, vendors and guests on the Lake Area Technical College campus and Watertown training grounds.
We will be back at LATC and Watertown in 2026 with many of the favorite classes and a few rotated in from the past and request list.
Remember to complete the evaluation survey link that came with the class certificate. We have already started reviewing them and will get your comments and suggestions to the instructors.
Thank you to everyone that attended. A big shout-out to the Lake Area staff, Watertown Fire, the instructors, Deputy Fire Marshal Mike Jones and especially the SDFA Board members for all their hard work throughout the week and months before getting things ready.
Congratulations goes out to Brayden Hanson, Ramona, and Parker Wilson, Tea, for being the 2025 SDFA-Auxiliary-DOT Scholarship winners.
A final curtain call for Denny Gorton as a member of the SDFA Board. Denny has served in the capacity of President, Past-President, Treasurer, and Secretary since 1993. He will now get to see Fire School from a different point of view. Thank you for your loyal dedication to the SDFA and the fire service of South Dakota.
The forecasted summer months are for possible drought conditions in the upper plains states. Always make sure you keep yourself in proper physical condition and know your limitations. Watch out for each other.
We will keep a watchful eye on any state and Federal legislation as they may arise. Providing information and factual opinion for the state legislature summer study committees will keep the board with homework throughout the year.
Mark your calendars for the Fall Fire Conference in Spearfish on 10-12 October. Watch the SDFA websites for continued information and updates from our guest speakers. Our guest speakers are both oriented on the small town and volunteer services.
Have an enjoyable summer and, as always, Be Safe.
Charlie Kludt,
SDFA President