Fire Chief Mike Maltaverne Announces Retirement

Maltaverne to end 26 year career

 

Rapid City, S.D. - After a successful 26 year career with the Rapid City Fire Department, Fire Chief Mike Maltaverne is announcing his retirement, effective December 31, 2016. Chief Maltaverne informed Mayor Steve Allender and the organization last week.

Chief Maltaverne began his career with the Rapid City Fire Department in September of 1990. Since that time, Maltaverne has served in several important positions within the department including Firefighter/Medic, Operations Lieutenant, Education and Information Lieutenant, Operations Captain, Assistant Chief of Education and Information. He was named Rapid City Fire Chief on April 27, 2010.

“I am able to move on to the next chapter of my life knowing full-well that I have been able to accomplish virtually every one of my goals for my career,” said Maltaverne. “Most people are not afforded the opportunity to step away at the top of their game. I am fortunate to be able to do that”.

As top accomplishments, Maltaverne cites long range planning as one of the most important. This includes completion and implementation of the Rapid City Fire Department strategic plan, long range vehicle replacement planning, a schedule for key equipment purchases such as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and radios, and future station locations. “All of these things point back to creating financial stability for the department”, said Maltaverne. “It helps eliminate peaks and valleys in the budget”.

Maltaverne said that improving and increasing the level of professionalism within the Rapid City Fire Department is another accomplishment that he takes great pride in. The advent of the Rapid City Fire Department Honor Guard, Local 1040 Pipe and Drum, clearly stated vision, values and mission are examples of that professionalism. “To be able to provide these things brings a higher level of credibility for the organization”, Maltaverne said.

In 2017, the Rapid City Fire Department will be fully staffed; an accomplishment that Maltaverne says is among the biggest. “Full staffing means that the organization is at a level that best suits the needs of the community”.

Chief Maltaverne has had a very rewarding career with the Rapid City Fire Department. “I got to work alongside the most dedicated group of employees there is,” said Maltaverne. “We were able to create a proactive approach to managing and mitigating risk in the community. We have also been successful in fostering solid and productive relationships with cooperating agencies and organizations.”

After retirement, Chief Maltaverne will re-locate to Bozeman, MT where he has accepted a position with the Bozeman Fire Department.

Regarding Chief Maltaverne’s retirement, Mayor Steve Allender offered these remarks: "Chief Maltaverne's career has been dedicated to the safety of the citizens of the Rapid City community and, as a community, we owe a huge debt of gratitude to Mike for his tireless efforts in educating the community on fire safety, his leadership and guidance of the department, and his sheer commitment to our citizens," said Mayor Allender.  "We thank him and wish him all the best in his retirement."

The Rapid City Fire Department wishes Chief Maltaverne all the best as he begins a new chapter in his life. We thank him for his dedicated service to our community and organization, for his mentorship and for his leadership. We will miss you, Mike.

For questions or comment related to this release, please contact Lt. Jim Bussell at 605-394-4180

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