Sunday Apartment Fire Stopped by Sprinkler System

Rapid City, S.D. – On Sunday morning, firefighters from Stations 1, 3 and 7 responded to 4226 Kateland Street for a report of a structure fire. When crews arrived at the three-story apartment complex just before 10:00 am, firefighters found light smoke with water flowing from an outside deck. The occupant of the home had been cooking on the grill when an uncontrolled cooking fire occurred. The fire activated a sprinkler head on the balcony of the building which extinguished the fire. No damage to the building was reported.

This marks the sixth fire related sprinkler activation in Rapid City in 2019, and the fifth in little more than a month. Four of the activations have occurred in apartment buildings, one in a correctional facility and one in a large commercial occupancy.

To learn more about the importance of fire sprinklers, visit https://bit.ly/2BtPPy5.

For questions or comment related to this release please contact Lt. Jim Bussell, Public Information Officer for the Rapid City Fire Department, at 605-394-4180.

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RCFD Responds to Mobile Home Fire

No injuries reported, cause under investigation 

Rapid City, SD – Just after 7:30 pm this evening, Pennington County 9-1-1 received multiple calls reporting a structure fire at 1515 E. St. Patrick Street. Callers reported flames coming from a mobile home and extending into nearby trees. Crews from Stations 1, 4 and 6 were dispatched as well as officers from the Rapid City Police Department. When Engine 4 arrived on scene, they found a single-wide mobile home that was fully involved in fire. Two vehicles in front of the residence were also on fire with fire threatening residences on either side of the structure of origin.

With the help of Rapid City Police Officers, residences nearby were evacuated as a precaution. Firefighters were able to quickly eliminate the threat to adjacent structures and stop the forward progress of the fire. Conflicting witness statements and no one to provide accurate information on the whereabouts of the occupants of the residence prompted Rapid City Firefighters to conduct multiple searches inside the structure. Firefighters also sought assistance from the Rapid City Police Department as well as Regional Health Rapid City Hospital to attempt to locate the occupants of the structure. At about 9:15 pm, the occupants of the home were located and found to be safe. Occupants of the evacuated homes were allowed to return to their homes within about an hour.

Firefighters remained on scene until 10:00 pm extinguishing hot spots.

No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Rapid City Fire Department.

Updates to this release are not anticipated at this time. For questions or comment related to this release, please contact Lt. Jim Bussell at 605-394-4180.

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RCFD Resources Responding- Battalion 1, Truck 1, Squad 1, Engine 4, Medic 4, Engine 6, RCFD Fire and Life Safety Division, RCFD Public Information Officer.

Other Agencies Responding- Rapid City Police Department, Montana Dakota Utilities, Black Hills Energy

RCFD to Conduct Drills, Training in Donated Structures

Drills, training to be conducted throughout September

Above: In this October 2018 photo, Rapid City Firefighters conduct drills on West Street near Downtown Rapid City. The building was slated for demolition and was donated to the RCFD to use for training purposes.

Rapid City, S.D. - Beginning at 9:00 am on Wednesday September 11, motorists in the area of East Boulevard and East Kansas City Street will see a heavy Rapid City Fire Department presence as crews will be conducting drills and training evolution's. The evolution's are set to last for the entire month of September and will be conducted in seven separate structures that are slated for demolition sometime this fall.

Firefighters will conduct a number of training evolution's and drills related to fire attack, structural search and rescue, forcible entry, ventilation and firefighter survival. On-duty crews will participate in scheduled drills on September 11, 12 and 13. On-duty crews will also participate in training and drills as their schedule and calls for service allow throughout the remainder of the month. Rapid City Fire Department Recruit Academy 2019-1 will train in the structures late in the month.

Firefighters will utilize a number of different tools and a variety of equipment during the drills and training evolution's. Firefighters will likely be seen wearing full personal protective equipment, including breathing apparatus. A smoke machine will be used to create realistic low-visibility conditions. Live fire will not be used during the drills and training evolution's. Those living nearby or traveling in the area should not be alarmed.

The Rapid City Fire Department wishes to extend its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Mr. Hani Shafai and Dream Design International, Inc. for providing our organization with the opportunity to utilize the structures for training purposes. Currently, the Rapid City Fire Department lacks a designated training facility. The generosity extended by Mr. Shafai will help Rapid City Firefighters operate safely and more efficiently and will help us in our mission to “Prepare, Prevent, Protect”.

In October 2018, the RCFD conducted training under similar circumstances on West Street near Downtown Rapid City. A residential structure slated for demolition was donated to the RCFD to utilize for training and drills. The skills that firefighters were taught during that training were put to use just over a month later as firefighters rescued occupants of an apartment building during a fire in the 2000 block of Cherry Avenue. Rapid City Firefighters have conducted training and drills in a number of other area structures and venues recently. Last fall, the RCFD conducted training at Vickie Powers Park. The Rushmore Mall hosted search training this past March.  

Above: Under the close watch of a young admirer, Engine 4 crews participate in search training at Vickie Powers Park during a November 2018 training evolution.

For questions or comment regarding this release please contact Lt. Jim Bussell, Public Information Officer for the Rapid City Fire Department, at 605-394-4180.

Eleven Set to Join the Ranks of Rapid City's Bravest

RCFD Recruit Academy 2019-1 began Monday

Above: Fire Operations Division Chief Nick Carlson welcomes RCFD Recruit Academy 2019-1 on Monday morning. The group is beginning a 12-week academy to become Rapid City Firefighters.

Rapid City, S.D. -  Earlier today we celebrated the beginning of Rapid City Fire Department Recruit Academy 2019-1. A total of 11 employees will be participating in the 12 week academy-style training program that will test the candidates mentally and physically as they prepare to serve the citizens of Rapid City. Seven of the candidates have been working in an EMS only capacity since March of 2019. Four of the recruits have spent the last two weeks in an orientation process that included basic EMS training. The recruits are scheduled to graduate in early November.

The four newest recruits are:

Sheldon Brakke- Sheldon was born and raised in South Dakota. After his high school graduation, Recruit Brakke joined the United States Marine Corps serving for four years in the infantry. His service in the USMC included two deployments. Sheldon joined the South Dakota Army National

Guard in 2012 and currently holds the rank of Sergeant serving with the 842^nd Engineer Company. Recruit Brakke has previous emergency services experience as a Trooper with the South Dakota Highway Patrol where he served for nearly five years. Sheldon is engaged with four children. He enjoys outdoors pursuits in his free time.

Matt Heinrich- Matt was born in Fergus Falls, Minnesota before relocating to Rapid City as a child. Working around his family ranch, Recruit Heinrich learned the values of hard work and dedication. It was while working on the ranch that he discovered his love of firefighting. As a member of the Rapid Valley Fire Department, Matt has gained valuable experience. Recruit Heinrich is engaged and has two daughters.

Evan Kleinpaste- Recruit Kleinpaste grew up in Ohio. He attended college at the University of Wyoming in Laramie where he received a bachelor’s degree. After graduation from the University of Wyoming, Evan enrolled at Casper College where he studied Fire Science and obtained an associate’s degree. Before coming to the RCFD, Recruit Kleinpaste was employed with South Dakota Wildland Fire. He is married and has two children. Recruit Kleinpaste is excited to begin his career with the RCFD.

Coleman Quinlivan- Coleman was born and raised in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. After graduating from Lincoln High School, he moved to Casper, Wyoming to attend Casper College and pursue a degree in Fire Science. After graduating with and associates degree, Recruit Quinlivan began his Fire Service career with the Bureau of Land Management in Casper as a seasonal firefighter. Coleman looks forward to a long and successful career with the RCFD.

The four new recruits join Larry Eide, Drew Hill, Nick Jasnoch, Deitric McConnell, Erich Peterson, Karin Shoemaker and Chad Uchytil in the academy.

We wish to welcome and congratulate our four newest members and wish all 11 members of Recruit Academy 2019-1 a successful academy. For questions or comment related to this release, please contact Lt. Jim Bussell, Public Information Officer for the Rapid City Fire Department, at 605-394-4180.

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 RCFD Credits Fire Sprinklers for Stopping Apartment Fires

Rapid City, S.D. – Fire sprinkler protection helped to keep two recent Rapid City apartment fires small, minimizing the damage sustained.  

At around 2:00 pm on Sunday, a fire was reported in a bedroom at the Palms Apartments in the 700 block of Flormann Street. An occupant of the apartment that was at home at the time of the fire escaped without injury. The fire was quickly confined to the mattress and the room of origin by a single sprinkler head. Firefighters from Rapid City Fire Station 4 completed extinguishment of the fire and ventilated the building. The occupants of the affected apartment were temporarily displaced while water and smoke was removed and until a new mattress could be obtained.

According to Larry Fuss, owner of the property, the building in which the fire occurred has 20 apartments and is home to between 30 and 35 occupants. One occupant wrote in a Facebook message to the Rapid City Fire Department that she lives in an apartment in the building in which the fire occurred and that she is thankful for the sprinkler system. “I work nights in healthcare and was asleep when this happened”, she wrote. “I was awakened by fire fighters at my door evacuating us from the building. If not for that sprinkler and the quick action of the first responders this situation could have proven tragic.”

Fuss told the Rapid City Fire Department that the building was remodeled and retrofitted with a sprinkler system in 2012. Fuss is a strong advocate for fire sprinkler protection and says that he encourages other property owners to install them in their properties. “You can’t afford not to”, he said.

Just before 9:00 am on Monday morning, a fire occurred at the Rapid Creek Apartments in the 1100 block of Anamosa Street. Firefighters from Station 1 were dispatched to a report of an automatic fire alarm in one of the buildings at that location. When firefighters arrived, they found that a fire started in the bedroom of an apartment and had been completely extinguished before they arrived. None of the occupants of the apartment were injured. According to management at the Rapid Creek Apartments, there are 15 apartments in the three-story building in which the fire occurred. As many as 80 occupants live in the building. Before firefighters left the scene, water removal efforts were well underway. It did not appear as though the apartment’s occupants were going to be displaced as a result of the fire and sprinkler activation.

 According to statistics compiled by the Rapid City Fire Department’s Fire and Life Safety Division, there were three fire related sprinkler activations in Rapid City 2018. In those instances –one at a hotel, one at a restaurant and one in an apartment complex– damages were estimated at just under $21,000 with property saved estimated at just over $11.2 million. In each instance, the building involved was heavily occupied. No injuries were reported in any of these instances.

In an effort to encourage property owners to install fire sprinklers, the Rapid City Fire Department and the City of Rapid City have joined forces to offer a loan program for the installation of fire sprinklers. This low interest loan program, called the Life Safety Loan, will support up to 80% of the eligible costs to retrofit buildings with fire sprinkler protection. Those with interest in the program can visit the City of Rapid City Finance Office at https://www.rcgov.org/departments/finance.html

Applications for the Life Safety Loan can be downloaded at: https://www.rcgov.org/index.php?option=com_docman&view=download&alias=290-finance-life-safety-loan&category_slug=finance-department&Itemid=149

The Rapid City Fire Department continues to advocate for the installation of fire sprinkler systems as a means of protecting lives and property from fire. To learn more, visit our website at https://www.rcgov.org/departments/fire-department/fire-and-life-safety.html.

For questions or comment related to this release, please contact Lt. Jim Bussell, Public information Officer for the Rapid City Fire Department, at 605-394-4180.

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RCFD Paramedic Education Program Awarded National Accreditation

Rapid City, SD – The Rapid City Fire Department Paramedic Education Academy has been awarded initial accreditation by the Board of Directors of the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The CAAHEP Board acted upon the accreditation recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).

Through the accreditation process, which includes a thorough review of the program, curriculum, resources, faculty and staff, as well as a site visit of the program, the Rapid City Fire Department Paramedic program was determined to be in substantial compliance with the nationally-approved Standards and Guidelines for educational programs as established by the EMS - Paramedic profession.

The department was granted a Letter of Review and began providing Paramedic education for RCFD employees in 2016. Since that time, 12 RCFD employees have completed the program with a 100% pass rate. The next academy is scheduled to begin in January of 2020 with as many as six RCFD employees slated to participate in the program.  

Regarding the RCFD Paramedic Education Academy, Rapid City Fire Department EMS Training Specialist Lt. Jason Reitz said, “Having a program that can continually meet the demands of the Rapid City Fire Department and the community we serve is so important.”  Lt. Reitz added that accreditation is essential because every Paramedic course offered must be through an accredited program. “This accreditation ensured that we are meeting the standards set forth by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)”, Reitz said. He added, “Being accredited makes the RCFD as one of very few accredited fire department based programs in the nation.”

The RCFD Paramedic Education Program is an intense year-long program. The program consists of 1,300 hours of training in both the classroom and clinical setting. This includes a 400 hour ambulance field internship and a minimum of 276 clinical hours in the hospital setting. Individuals that successfully complete the program and pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) psychomotor and cognitive exams then must successfully become licensed with the South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners (SDBMOE) before beginning an intense months-long Paramedic Field Training and Evaluation Program.

CAAHEP accredits more than 2,200 educational programs that prepare health professionals in 32 different disciplines.  Accreditation is one step in a process that is meant to protect the public and ensure a supply of qualified health care professionals.  For more information about CAAHEP and accreditation, visit www.caahep.org .

For questions or comment related to this release please contact Lt. Jim Bussell, Public Information Officer for the Rapid City Fire Department, at 605-394-4180.

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Farm Credit Services of America Awards RCFD With $2,000 Grant

Grant will be used to purchase tower rescue equipment

Rapid City, S.D. - On Thursday firefighters from Rapid City Fire Station 3 accepted a check for $2,000 from the Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica) for the purchase of tower rescue equipment. The grant is provided through the FCSAmerica Working Here Fund.

Above: Justin Uhrig with FCSAmerica presents RCFD Captain Calen Maningas with a check for $2,000 from the Working Here Fund. The grant will be used for the purchase of tower rescue equipment.

Tower climbing continues to rank among the most dangerous jobs in North America. Incidents involving communications towers are often referred to as high risk, low frequency incidents. Response to tower incidents requires specialized training in addition to specialized equipment. With over 70 towers in Pennington County, it is important for Station 3 personnel to be prepared for this type of incident.

In March, members of South Dakota Task Force 1 –which includes firefighters from Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Aberdeen and Watertown Fire Departments– completed a tower rescue training course in Rapid City.  The FCSAmerica grant will allow Rapid City Firefighters to be well equipped as well as highly trained. Captain Calen Maningas of the Rapid City Fire Department anticipates that RCFD personnel will be fully trained on the new equipment by the end of September 2019 and will begin providing tower rescue training for other communities in May of 2020.

Above: Firefighters from South Dakota Task Force 1 participate in tower rescue training in March 2019 near Stevens High School in Rapid City.

According to a release by FCSAmerica, the Rapid City Fire Department is one of 73 organizations to receive a Working Here Fund grant in the second quarter of 2019.  FCSAmerica awarded $134,850 during the latest grant cycle ending June 30, 2019.

“We understand the importance of keeping our communities safe and appreciate the efforts of the Rapid City Fire Department,” said Michelle Pluta, vice president of retail operations at FCSAmerica’s Rapid City office. Farm Credit Services of America is one of the region’s leading providers of credit and insurance services to farmers, ranchers, agribusiness and rural residents in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming.

According to their website, the FCSAmerica Working Here Fund provides grant funding for projects and organizations that make a positive impact in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. In order to be considered, applicants must demonstrate how contributions will be used for purposes that serve agriculture education, young and beginning producers, hunger and nutrition, or essential services and disaster relief.

For questions or comment related to this release please contact Lt. Jim Bussell, Public Information Officer for the Rapid City Fire Department, at 605-394-4180.

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Haugen Family, RCFD, Water Rescue Team to Promote Boating Safety

 Rapid City, S.D. - On Saturday July 27, members of the Rapid City Fire Department and the Rapid City/Pennington County Water Rescue Team will join the family and friends of Joshua Haugen at Pactola Reservoir for the annual JRH Campout. Water Rescue Team members and equipment will be on hand at the Pactola North Marina from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm to show visitors the tools and equipment used by the team and to help promote water safety. 

The campout is held annually in memory of Joshua Haugen. Joshua was killed in a jet ski crash on Pactola Reservoir on June 4, 1999. He was 17 years old at the time of his death. Joshua’s family and friends wish to use this event to help raise awareness and communicate the importance of safe boating practices, life jacket use, and understanding the rules and regulations that are associated with boating.

 

Above: Joshua Haugen in a photo provided by his family. 

Event organizers will be selling water safety flags made in Joshua’s memory. All proceeds from the sale of the flags will be donated to the Rapid City/Pennington County Water Rescue Team. 

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

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Fire Station 6 Hit by Lightning

Generator, fire alarm system among items affected

Rapid City, S.D. - Firefighters in our area are accustomed to responding to buildings that have been struck by lightning. Early Sunday morning, Firefighters from Rapid City Fire Department Station 6 found that, instead of responding to a building hit by lightning, the lightning came to them. Fire Station 6 was apparently hit by lightning during a thunderstorm sometime between 3:00 and 4:00 am on Sunday July 14. 

The strike damaged the phone system, fire alarm system, back-up generator and the garage door opener for Engine 3-6. The electricity also tripped all of the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets in the station. The building does not appear to have any structural damage. None of the firefighters on-duty and in the station during the strike were injured. 

The Station 6 crew was in the station monitoring the storm and incoming calls for service throughout the city when the strike occurred. They reported a bright flash with simultaneous thunder that shook the building. Issues with the phones, fire alarm system and outlets were noted immediately. The station is situated next to a large communications tower. It is unknown if the station was hit directly or received an indirect strike. 

We hope that this serves as a good reminder of the importance of following simple safety procedures during thunderstorms.

• Stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity.
• Avoid plumbing, including sinks, baths and faucets. 
• Stay away from windows and doors and stay off porches.
• Do not lie on concrete floors and do not lean against concrete walls.

Remember that no place outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area. When you hear thunder, immediately move inside to safe shelter.

The lightning strike and subsequent damage to the station did not affect the ability of Station 6 to respond to emergencies and calls for service. At the time of this release, much of the damage had been repaired.

For questions or comment related to this release, please contact Lt. Jim Bussell, Public Information Officer for the Rapid City Fire Department, at 605-394-4180.

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RCFD Responds to Saturday Potting Soil Fire

Rapid City, S.D. - Last week we shared with you information regarding potting soil fires.You can read more here: https://bit.ly/2LcKtgm

On Saturday, we were dispatched to an apartment building in the Robbinsdale area for a report of a structure fire. When crews arrived, they found smoke coming from a second floor balcony. When crews made their way to the balcony, the found the fire had originated in a 2.2 cubic foot bag of peat moss. This bag was on a south facing deck. The bag had been in the same place for about two weeks. The fire was isolated to the area where it started. The crew provided some education and encouraged the occupant to find an area for their potted plants with less sun exposure.

Southern aspects of homes generally get the most sun exposure and therefore the most heat. Potted plants and potting soils in these areas are most susceptible to catching fire if they do not remain watered. For questions regarding potting soil fires, you may contact the Rapid City Fire Department at 605-394-4180.

POTTING SOIL FIRES POSE RISK

Homeowners encouraged to monitor soil moisture

Rapid City, S.D. - As the weather warms up, the Rapid City Fire Department would like to remind homeowners to routinely check their potted plants for moisture content and to refrain from discarding smoking materials in planters.

Most of the soil found in potted plants, both in homes and outside of homes, is a soil compound that contains little mineral soil and mostly organic compounds such as peat moss. These organic compounds not only contain dead plant materials that produce heat from decomposition, but will also support smoldering combustion. Many times, plant holders filled with potting soil will receive enough water to support furthering heat of decomposition, which is exacerbated if the plant is in direct sunlight. Many times individuals will use outdoor potted plants as a receptacle for discarded smoking materials as they believe the soil is primarily dirt. Due to the ability of potting soil to support smoldering combustion, when conditions are right (hot temps, wind, dry conditions, etc.), the smoldering conditions can turn into a free burning fire. The problem quickly worsens when the pot is made of plastic or wood products and spreads to other surrounding materials.

Above: A photo shared by a Facebook follower that illustrates the potential hazards associated with potting soil. Fortunately, this planter was not on a combustible deck or near combustible material and did not result in a larger fire.

Properly dispose of any smoking materials in approved containers only and know that potting soil is not a good option. Also, consider purchasing outdoor pots made of fire resistant materials.

For questions about potting soil fires, please contact the Rapid City Fire Department at 605-394-4180.

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 RCFD Crews Quickly Stop Sunday Morning Fire

Rapid City, SD – Just before 8:30 am Sunday morning, Rapid City Firefighters from Stations 1, 4 and 7 were dispatched by Pennington County 9-1-1 to a report of a structure fire in the area of East Chicago St. and North Cherry Avenue. When the Station 1 crews arrived on scene they found black smoke coming from multiple garage doors, walk-in doors and roof vents on the building. The building, located at 202 North Cherry Avenue, is occupied by two separate auto maintenance businesses, Uncle Milt’s Alignment Service and Advanced Auto Repair.

Crews believed the fire to be inside of Uncle Milt’s Alignment inside of the garage. Once inside, they encountered heavy smoke and high heat conditions. Because of the size of the building and nature of businesses involved, a second alarm was struck which summoned Truck 3 from Station 3 and additional command staff.

Crews cut a large hole in an overhead garage door to help ventilate the structure and to better gain access. Once inside, firefighters were able to quickly knock down the fire. The fire appears to have been isolated to a vehicle inside the shop and materials nearby. Once the forward progress of the fire was stopped, crews began the meticulous overhaul process to locate and extinguish hot spots and worked to ventilate both businesses.

Fire investigators were on scene and are working with businesses ownership to determine the cause. There were no injuries reported to firefighters or civilians. Firefighters remained on scene until  just after 10:00 am.

Updates to this release are not anticipated at this time. For questions or comment related to this release, please contact Lt. Jim Bussell with the Rapid City Fire Department at 605-394-4180

-END-

RCFD Resources Responding: Battalion 1, Truck 1, Squad 1, Medic 1, Engine 7, Engine 4, Truck 3, RCFD Fire Operations Division Chief, B-Shift Battalion Chief, RCFD Fire and Life Safety Division, RCFD PIO

Other Agencies Responding: Pennington County 9-1-1, Rapid City Police Department, Pennington County Fire Administrator, Montana Dakota Utilities, Black Hills Energy

Above: Rapid City Firefighters fork to gain access inside of Uncle Milt's Alignment Shop on North Cherry Avenue after a fire broke out there on Sunday morning. 

**For Immediate Release**

Re: Multiple Agencies Work Together to Perform Water Rescue

From: Lt. Jim Bussell- Rapid City Fire Department

Office: (605)-394-4180

jim.bussell@rcgov.org

Date: 6/20/2019 2:30 pm MDT

Multiple Agencies Work Together to Perform Water Rescue

Rapid City, SD – Just before 11:00 am on Thursday, Pennington County 9-1-1 received a report of a kayaker in distress in Rapid Creek near Braeburn Dog Park. Units from Rapid City Fire Department Stations 1, 3 and 5 responded as well as units from Pennington County Search and Rescue, the Rapid City/Pennington County Water Rescue Team, the Rapid City Police Department and South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks.

Reports indicate that the kayaker entered the water just upstream. She encountered a strainer that flipped her kayak. A strainer is a barrier in the water that can be naturally occurring or human made. A strainer allows water to pass through but a human body or a vessel –such as a kayak or canoe– will not. Strainers are incredibly dangerous and pose a life threatening risk to the unsuspecting victim. High water flows have resulted in a number of these hazards, many of which are unseen because they are under water. The kayaker was submerged for a short time but was able to surface on her own. She was unable to exit the creek due to fast moving water and fatigue. Bystanders called 9-1-1 and remained on scene to direct rescuers.

A crew from Station 5 arrived within five minutes of dispatch to find a kayaker still in the water with her kayak downstream. Engine 5 immediately sent members of the crew downstream in case the victim were to be swept away as well as establishing an upstream spotter to watch for debris or other kayakers coming down the creek. Establishing this “box” is a key step to a successful rescue. Once Fire Rescue 3 and Water Rescue members from RCFD Station 3 arrived, they were quickly able to enter the water, swim across the stream and assist the individual to the bank and out of the water.

The side of the creek that Water Rescue members and the kayaker had moved to was very steep and inaccessible. Because the kayaker was showing signs of mild hypothermia and was fatigued from struggling against the water, a decision was made to float the victim back across the creek. To accomplish this, crews would establish a rope line across the creek and send an inflatable boat known as a Rapid Deployment Craft (RDC) to the other side. Once the craft and an additional rescuer were at the victim, she was fitted with a personal flotation device (PFD) for the trip back across the creek. At 12:09 pm, just over an hour after entering the water, the kayaker was safe and reunited with her loved ones.

The individual was evaluated by RCFD Emergency Medical Services. She refused treatment and transport.  

Stream flows in the Braeburn Park area were recorded at about 650 cubic feet per second during the rescue. The water averaged between four and six feet in depth.

A successful outcome to this incident is a direct result of many, many hours of training and dedication by members of multiple agencies. Water rescues are high risk, low frequency events that require interagency cooperation.

This incident should highlight the dangers associated with fast moving water. Even experienced kayakers and boaters can easily find themselves in danger. The RCFD encourages the use of personal flotation devices (PFDs) by all that choose to spend time on the water.

For questions or comment related to this release, please contact Lt. Jim Bussell with the Rapid City Fire Department at the information provided above.

-END-

RCFD Resources Responding: Engine 5, Medic 5, Fire Rescue 3, Water Rescue 1, Battalion 1, RCFD PIO, RCFD Training Specialist

Other Agencies Responding: Pennington County 9-1-1, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, Pennington County Search and Rescue

**For Immediate Release**

Re: RCFD Public Service Announcement- Rapid Creek Safety

From: Lt. Jim Bussell- Rapid City Fire Department

Office: (605)-394-4180

jim.bussell@rcgov.org

Date: 05/21/2019 12:30 pm MDT

RCFD Stresses Caution Near Rapid Creek, Moving Water

Danger will persist even after rain stops

Rapid City, S.D. – Plentiful moisture coupled with saturated ground have increased Rapid Creek flows to over 450 cubic feet per second at Founders Park as of 11:00 am today. Rapid Creek has been observed to be running bank full in most areas in and around Rapid City as of this morning. The rapidly moving water and wet, slippery and potentially unstable banks pose risk to anyone near the creek edge. The Rapid City Fire Department is asking the community to exercise extreme caution around Rapid Creek and any moving body of water in the area, for the foreseeable future.

Six inches of moving water is enough to sweep a person off of their feet while only one foot of moving water will float many vehicles. At present, most areas of Rapid Creek are at least 4 feet deep and running over 300 cubic feet per second. In Rapid Creek, much of the danger is related to trees, debris and unseen hazards located under the water. These hazards are known as “strainers”. Strainers are items that water can flow through, but that a swimmer or boat (canoe, kayak, etc.) cannot. These obstacles have the potential to catch an unsuspecting victim. Entrapment in a strainer is a life-threatening emergency.

Because of wet, slippery and potentially unstable stream, creek and river banks, it is strongly encouraged that individuals avoid activity around moving water until water levels subside and stream flows moderate. If you choose to be around these bodies of water, remember the following items:

-Know your limitations. If you do not have experience in the swift-water environment, it is best to stay away.

-If swept away in high flow water, DO NOT put your feet down. Foot entrapment's are a real possibility. Keep your feet up and point them downstream in the direction of the nearest shoreline or in the direction of safety and attempt to self-rescue. Always go over obstacles. Do not try to go under them.

-Use flotation. A life jacket may save your life.

-Watch out for children, water is a natural attractant. Keep them very close to you when near flooded or high-water areas. Teach them about the dangers of moving water and remind them to stay away.

-Don’t drive thru flooded roadways. Turn around, don’t drown. Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm related hazard. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water.

For questions or comment related to this release, please contact Lt. Jim Bussell, Public Information Officer for the Rapid City Fire Department, at the information provided above.

-END-

**For Immediate Release**

Re: Junk the Junipers 2019

From: Lt. Tim Weaver- Rapid City Fire Department

Office: (605)-394-4180

Cell: (605)-390-4114

tim.weaver@rcgov.org

Date: 04/30/2019

Junk the Junipers Set to Begin in May

The Rapid City Fire Departments annual “Junk the Junipers Program” is happening in May as part of Wildfire Awareness Month.  Homeowners are encouraged Lt. Tim Weaver at tim.weaver@rcgov.org to sign up for this great program as well as several others aimed at Wildfire risk mitigation. The Rapid City Veteran Wildfire Mitigation Crew will be helping with the “Junk the Junipers” program which helps reduce hazardous fuels and assists homeowners in getting highly flammable junipers and cedars removed from around their homes for free.  Neighborhoods eligible for this event include:

-Carriage Hills/Wildwood

-Pinedale Heights/Kingswood

-Chapel Valley/Chapel Lane

-Skyline Drive/Woodridge

Springbrook Acres/Sheridan Lake Road

-Red Rocks/Countryside

This event is important because of the role that it plays in reducing fire risk in our communities. The Rapid City Fire Department assists homeowners through the Survivable Space Initiative with several grant programs to assist with fuel reduction and education. The educational component of this initiative focuses on what homeowners and communities can do to become Fire Adapted Communities.  Lieutenant Tim Weaver, Wildfire mitigation program coordinator for the Rapid City Fire Department commented; “A significant wildland fire in Rapid City is not a matter of if.  It is a matter of when. This event helps homeowners create fire resilient landscapes that can lessen the effects of how fire will impact their neighborhoods”.  Weaver went on to explain that homeowners and neighborhoods living in our Primary Wildland Hazard zone need to be adapted to fire, and learn how to coexist with fire in a landscape that wants to burn.

For more information, comment or clarification regarding this release, please contact Lt. Tim Weaver of the Rapid City Fire Department Fire and Life Safety Division at the information provided above.

-END-

RCFD Media Release

**For Immediate Release**

Re: National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week 2019

From: Lt. Jim Bussell- Rapid City Fire Department

Office: (605)-394-4180

Jim.bussell@rcgov.org

Date: 04/15/2019

               

Rapid City, S.D. - The RCFD will be joining other local Public Safety Agencies in celebrating National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week April 14-20, 2019. The Rapid City Fire Department wishes to congratulate our Public Safety Telecommunicators and give them our profound thanks for the work that they do.

Fire and EMS personnel have unique, first-hand knowledge of the importance of the role that our 911 Dispatchers play in the business of saving lives and protecting our community. Most people in our community know little of the vital role that 9-1-1 Dispatchers play in ensuring the safety of Fire and EMS personnel. In addition, these professional men and women are the first-line in providing adequate and appropriate emergency response.

Dispatchers are critical first First Responders. They must keep track of multiple units, companies, and even entire departments during critical incidents. Sometimes this requires tracking multiple incidents spanning multiple communities and multiple counties. Their hard work and dedication is most certainly noticed and appreciated by our entire organization.

Our success in the initial stages of an incident depends largely on the information that they provide. It cannot be overstated that our Public Safety Telecommunicators are key contributors to ensuring that our Fire and EMS providers can work and function safely.  It is an honor to work with such an outstanding, professional group of individuals that help to form our Public Safety network.

On behalf of each member of the Rapid City Fire Department, thank you to each and every member of the Pennington County 9-1-1 for their hard work and dedication.

-END-

Nine Join the Ranks of Rapid City's Bravest

New recruits to begin riding Medic Units on Monday

Rapid City, S.D. - It is a special day at the Rapid City Fire Department as nine new Rapid City Firefighters begin their careers with the department. The newest RCFD Recruits were hired to address vacancies brought on by retirements and resignations. After an abbreviated three-week EMS Academy—commanded by Lt. Hunter Harlan, Lt. Keith Trojanowski and Firefighter/Paramedic John Potter—the recruits will begin working in the Operations Division on Monday. The new recruits will be assigned to RCFD Medic Units until a later date when they will participate in a comprehensive, eleven-week RCFD Academy.  

Each recruit brings a unique background and experience to the department. The recruits are:

Larry Eide- Recruit Eide was born in Duluth, MN, moved to Wisconsin and Colorado before making it to Custer, SD where he graduated high school. Larry attended college for two years before beginning work at a coal mine in Gillette, WY where he worked for six years. Recruit Eide obtained his EMT certification and has previous Fire Service experience with the Piedmont Fire Department and the Bureau of Land Management in Belle Fourche, SD. In his free time, Recruit Eide and his wife enjoy traveling the world, having visited places such as Vietnam and Thailand together. He also enjoys training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, mountain biking, and rock climbing. 

Drew Hill- Recruit Hill is a lifelong resident of Hot Springs, SD and has long aspired to be a Rapid City Firefighter. Drew began his Fire Service career as a volunteer firefighter in 2010 with the Hot Springs Fire Department and obtained an associate’s degree degree in Fire Science from Western Dakota Tech in 2013. Recruit Hill worked for four years with South Dakota Wildland Fire before working as a firefighter with the US Department of Veterans Affairs in Hot Springs. Drew is a father of a four year-old daughter. Together, they enjoy summers at the lake and spending time with their St. Bernard. 

Nicholas Jasnoch- Recruit Jasnoch is a graduate of Rock Springs, WY High School. He has previous fire service experience with the Presho, SD Fire Department, the United States Forest Service and currently volunteers with the North Haines Fire Department in Rapid City. Nick recently obtained his National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians certification as an EMT. Recruit Jasnoch is married and has two dogs, Deacon and Meka.  

John Krejci- Recruit Krejci is a veteran of the United States Army. He is a special operations combat veteran and just recently transitioned out of a career as a consultant to the state department and the intelligence community giving him a combined 20 years of service to our country. During his military career, Recruit Krejci deployed to combat zones every year since 2002, often multiple times during a year.  He and his wife, Marissa, have an awesome 6 year old boy named Greyson. John is excited and looking forward to beginning his career with the Rapid City Fire Department.

Dietric McConnell- Recruit McConnell was born in Amery, WI and moved to Rapid City when he was 14 years old. Dietric enjoys outdoors pursuits and physical fitness as his hobbies include hunting, hiking, working out and spending time with family and friends. He is the youngest of four siblings. A graduate of Hill City High School and Black Hills State University, Dietric feels a call to serve and is excited to serve with his hometown Fire Department. 

Erich Peterson- Recruit Peterson is originally from Rapid City, SD.  He received an associate's degree in fire science from Western Dakota Tech. He and his wife, Katie, have been married 8 years and are parents to two young boys aged 4 and 2. Erich enjoys spending time with his family, going to the lake, hiking, landscaping, playing sports and spending time with his dogs. Of joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Erich said; "I'm excited for the opportunity I have with Rapid City Fire Department to grow, not only as an individual, but a great team member as well as to learn every aspect of the career as I can to better help our community." 

Karin Shoemaker- Recruit Shoemaker was born and raised in Rapid City, graduating from Central High School. She studied Health Sciences at the University of South Dakota and completed her EMT in 2018 with the Rapid City Fire Department. She is currently living in New Underwood with her husband Josh and 3 daughters Trynyty (15), Taylor (12) and Ava (9). Karin is active with the New Underwood Volunteer Fire Department and is also serving on the New Underwood City Council. Karin has a strong passion for emergency medicine, with a goal of completing the Rapid City Fire Department Paramedic program.

Chad Uchytil-  Recruit Uchytil was born in Aberdeen, SD and moved to Rapid City as a young child. After high school, Chad attended Black Hills State University and received a bachelor’s degree in biology. He and his wife, Madison, have a three and a half year old daughter and a baby boy born one week ago today. In his free time, Recruit Uchytil likes to backpack, hunt, fish, trap shoot, mountain bike, and to spend time in the outdoors. He is eager to begin a career with the RCFD and grateful to have the opportunity to serve the community of Rapid City.

Jacob Wasem- Recruit Wasem is a native of Horace, North Dakota. An Edmonton Oilers fan, Jacob grew up playing hockey and looks forward to following the Rapid City Rush. Outside of work, Recruit Wasem enjoys outdoors pursuits such as mountain biking, hiking, hunting and fishing and is an avid golfer. Recruit Wasem has previous Fire Service experience with the Horace, ND Fire Department and obtained a Fire Science certification from Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Morehead, Minnesota.

The newest members of the RCFD are pictured above with their instructors. 
Front Row, Left to Right: Jacob Wasem, Nicholas Jasnoch, Karin Shoemaker, Drew Hill, John Krejci
Back Row, Left to Right: Lt. Hunter Harlan, Dietrich McConnell, Chad Uchytil, Larry Eide, Erich Peterson, Firefighter/Paramedic John Potter

The Rapid City Fire Department is pleased and excited to have nine outstanding recruits join our ranks. Please join us in congratulating and welcoming these fine individuals.

-END-

Rapid City Firefighters Knock Down Morning Fire

Rabbit rescues made by firefighters

Rapid City, S.D. - At 9:15 this morning, crews from Rapid City Fire Department Stations 1, 4, and 6 responded to a report of a structure fire at 627 St. Patrick Street. An individual walking by noted the smell of smoke and saw fire coming from a window on a single family residential structure and called 9-1-1. First arriving firefighters found heavy smoke conditions inside the home with fire showing from at least one window on the back of the structure.

During the initial attack, it was unclear if all of the occupants of the home were out of the building. Crews began a search of the home in near zero visibility conditions. No human occupants were located inside. With the help of the Rapid City Police Department, all human occupants were located and found safe in various locations in Rapid City and notified of the fire.

During the search, Firefighter/Medic Andrew Rasmussen and Firefighter/Medic Donavin Neugebauer located pet rabbits in the home and brought them outside to safety. The pets were placed in the care of the Medic 4 crew– which included Andrew’s brother, Firefighter/Paramedic Alex Rasmussen– and provided with oxygen via animal resuscitation masks. These masks are on every RCFD Medic Unit and utilized during fires and rescue incidents where pets may be involved. The rabbits were returned to their owner and taken to a local veterinarian for evaluation.

The fire was knocked down quickly with overhaul efforts lasting until about noon. Investigators were on scene working to determine the cause. The cause will remain under investigation. The American Red Cross serving Central and Western South Dakota was called to assist occupants with immediate needs, including shelter. St. Patrick Street between 7^th Street and 5^th Street was closed most of the morning. It was re-opened around noon. Motorists in the area are encouraged to use caution as additional ice has accumulated due to firefighting efforts. The Street Department with the City of Rapid City was in the area treating icy surfaces.

For questions or comment related to this release, please contact Lt. Jim Bussell with the Rapid City Fire Department at 605-394-4180.

-END-

RCFD Units Responding: Truck 1, Squad 1, Battalion 1, Medic 4, Engine 4, Engine 6, RCFD Investigators, RCFD PIO

Other Agencies Responding: Rapid City Police Department, Whispering Pines Fire Department, Pennington County Fire Administrator, American Red Cross serving Western and Central South Dakota, Montana Dakota Utilities, Black Hills Energy