Thoughts from the Tailboard
“Where were you when the world stopped turning.” The lyrics in Alan Jackson’s song. We all know it. We all sing along. It has different meanings for each and every one of us. September 11 is behind us, but the memories still linger. The Rapid City Fire Department along with Ellsworth AFB Fire Department organized a fitting tribute to the day. A speaker pointed out that many of the firefighters and police officers were not even born on 9-11. I wonder if another generation had the same thoughts on the 25th Anniversary of the end of World War II? For whatever reason, each generation seems to have their defining event that marks their memories. For those of us who live in Rapid City, one of those defining moments, was the 1972 flood that claimed 238 lives and changed the city forever.
Fall has now officially arrived, but the fire season is still here. As I compose this month’s ramblings, I am reminded that on October 16, 2016, we had a grass fire east of Wall. In a little over an afternoon and evening we blackened over 50,000 acres. We all know that this can be just as dangerous as mid-July. Grass is dry, cured, days are warm and generally windy. All the ingredients for a fast-moving fire. Hopefully as night falls, temperatures drop, humidity goes up, we then catch it and are left with the mop up. But I’m not telling any of you something new. Just a reminder to be safe and go home to your loved ones.
As you read this month’s SD Firefighters Newspaper, the Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service will have just been concluded. The Fall SD Firefighters Conference will be happening. There have been a number of district fire schools, and more coming along. I hope you are able to attend one of these. It is so important to support and learn all the time.
I just looked at the calendar. I see that Mid-term fall elections are November 3. Now I am not saying who to vote for. I’m saying make sure you go and vote for the candidate you feel best reflects your views and ideals. We all have our opinions, and the ballot box is the best place to make your opinion known. There, was that right in the middle of the road?
A final thought just popped into my pea picking brain. In 2016 the Pennington County VFD’s received an AFG grant to replace 253 SCBA’s. We were super excited, of course. They were so needed. However, now the SCBA’s are reaching their 10-year life, and we have to look at replacing all of them. Not complaining, but ten years ago seemed so far into the future. I know a number of fire departments over the past several years have replaced their SCBA’s. My point is start now building your reserve funds or whatever, as one day you will need to buy new.
That seems like about all for now. Take care, hope to see you at the Fall Conference.
Denny Gorton