The Rapid City Fire Department Welcomes 13 To Join the Ranks Of Rapid City's Bravest

 The Rapid City Fire Department Welcomes 13 To Join the Ranks Of Rapid City's Bravest

New recruits begin Fire Training Academy

 

Rapid City, S.D. - The Rapid City Fire Department has added 13 recruits to begin their careers with the department. The newest RCFD recruits were hired to help fill vacancies left by those who have left the job and those who have retired. Graduation will take place on May 1, 2026.

 

The recruits are:

 

Nick Chavis - Recruit Chavis grew up in Ozark, Missouri. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he wants to be part of a team, serve a community, and live in the mountains. His hobbies include rock climbing, weight lifting, and trail running. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Chavis worked four years in the U.S. Army as a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic, Gym Owner/Manager, and Coach/Athlete in Competitive Rock Climbing. He also worked with individuals as a Rehab Specialist, helping people correct movement issues/imbalances. 

Cody English - Recruit English was born in Guam, but grew up in Rapid City. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he said it will be a better fit for him than teaching and he can still serve while giving back to the community he grew up in. His hobbies include being with his family, hunting, fishing, playing hockey, and video games. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit English was in the Marine Corps, Oil Field, Wildland Firefighter, Rapid City Fire Department Fuels Mitigation Crew, College, SD National Guard, and Teaching at Stevens High School. 

Shane Fitzgerald - Recruit Fitzgerald grew up in Houston, Texas. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he enjoys the Black Hills. His hobbies include anything outdoors. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Fitzgerald worked for the Houston Fire Department.

 

James Flynn - Recruit Flynn was born in Rapid City. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he wanted to do something larger than himself and become a professional firefighter. He wanted to learn from the best, to be the best. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Flynn worked as a volunteer firefighter/EMS provider and in Law Enforcement.

Ben Kruppenbacher - Recruit Kruppenbacher grew up in upstate New York before moving to Montana in 2013. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he wanted a team to learn from and challenge him to keep growing. His hobbies include spending time with his family, shooting, and being outdoors. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Kruppenbacher was a High School Agriculture and Shop Teacher and an EMT on his local small town ambulance service. 

Jacob LaPlante - Recruit LaPlante grew up in Grass Valley, California. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he wanted to continue to serve his community. His hobbies include fishing and hunting. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit LaPlante has six years of active duty fire service at Ellsworth Air Force Base Fire and Emergency Services. 

Aidan Mason - Recruit Mason was born in Phoenix, Arizona, but grew up in Rapid City. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he wants to serve the community that raised him and hopefully make a difference. His hobbies include hunting, fishing, and golf. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Mason was a Firefighter at North Haines Volunteer Fire Department for three years and worked at Black Hills Tire as a Technician. 

Cam Paisley - Recruit Paisley was born and raised in Spearfish. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he wants to help the community of the Black Hills. His hobbies include highlining, rock climbing, ice climbing, and martial arts. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Paisley was a Volunteer Firefighter in Spearfish and Sturgis.

Isaac Perkins - Recruit Perkins was born and raised in Rapid City. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he he grew up in the fire department with his Dad being a 20+ year Firefighter, he's never wanted to do anything else. His hobbies include spending time with family and friends, working on his cars, and enjoying the outdoors. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Perkins worked for the Wall Ambulance Service and the Rapid City Fire Department Fuels Mitigation Crew. 

De'Vaughn Porter - Recruit Porter was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota and lived in multiple other places. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, to have a stable job while following his military career. His hobbies include medicine, weight lifting, instruments, and hiking. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Porter was an Army Combat Medic, working as a Paramedic in and around the Twin Cities for four years. 

Bryce Swanson - Recruit Swanson was born in San Antonio, Texas, but grew up in Rapid City since the 4th grade. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he believes the fire service is the best way to show his passion and pride to the community. His hobbies include playing his guitar, spending time in the hills, and hanging out with friends and family. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Swanson worked at Whispering Pines Volunteer Fire Department and studied along with playing football at Black Hills State University.

Chad Uchytil - Recruit Uchytil was born in Aberdeen, but grew up in Rapid City. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he admires the professionalism and all the services the department provides. His hobbies include spending time with his three kids, exercising, hunting, mountain biking, backpacking, camping, and anything outdoors with his wife. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Uchytil worked for Battle Creek Fire Department, Keystone Ambulance, Hill City Ambulance, a few years with the Rapid City Fire Department, and most recently as a Squad Boss for the Black Hat Hand Crew with SD Wildland Fire. 

Josh Winkler - Recruit Winkler was born and raised in Rapid City. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he has a strong passion for emergency services and wanted to serve with an outstanding department. His hobbies include hiking, being outside, and enjoying the lake in the summer. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Winkler was a Combat Medic in the Army, an Advanced EMT in Tennessee, the Rapid City Fire Department Fuels Mitigation Crew, and is currently in the SD National Guard.

 

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

 

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The Rapid City Fire Department Welcomes Three To Join the Ranks Of Rapid City's Bravest

The Rapid City Fire Department Welcomes Three To Join the Ranks Of Rapid City's Bravest

New recruits begin EMS Training Academy

 

Rapid City, S.D. - The Rapid City Fire Department has added three recruits to begin their careers with the department. The newest RCFD recruits were hired to help fill vacancies left by those who have left the job and those who have retired. These three will take on an EMS role only until they join our Fire Training Academy in the beginning of 2026 with anticipated additional new hires. 

 

The recruits are:

 

Shane Fitzgerald - Recruit Fitzgerald grew up in Houston, Texas. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he fell in love with the area following a vacation. His hobbies include hanging out with his wife and children. He said they enjoy hiking and camping. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Fitzgerald worked for the Houston Fire Department.

 

James Flynn - Recruit Flynn was born in Rapid City, South Dakota. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department to grow in the fire service by working with the best, to be the best. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Flynn worked as a volunteer firefighter/EMS provider. 

Jacob LaPlante - Recruit LaPlante grew up in Grass Valley, California. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he loves this community and Rapid City Fire Department is dedicated to excellence. His hobbies include fishing and bow hunting. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit LaPlante has six years of active duty fire service at Ellsworth Air Force Base Fire and Emergency Services. 

 

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

 

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 The Rapid City Fire Department Welcomes Ten To Join the Ranks Of Rapid City's Bravest

New recruits begin Fire Training Academy

 

Rapid City, S.D. - The Rapid City Fire Department has added ten recruits to begin their careers with the department. The newest RCFD recruits were hired to help with the growing community, as well as to help fill vacancies by those who have left the job and those who have retired. Graduation will take place for all ten recruits on April 25, 2025.

 

The recruits are:

 

Joseph Essi - Recruit Essi was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he wants to be the person to save his mother, brother, sister, or father. He says, "by extension we are all brothers and sisters of this country and I am proud to protect what was established." His hobbies include: bushcraft, weight lifting, and personal projects. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Essi worked for Ralston Volunteer Fire and Rescue, Medcor, and CASS County CERT. 

 

JonTyler Gutierrez - Recruit Gutierrez grew up in Box Elder and Rapid City, South Dakota. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because of the culture. His hobbies include: hunting, fishing, climbing, and archery. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Gutierrez worked for the U.S. Army and the Box Elder Fire Department. 

Ikaika Jackson - Recruit Jackson grew up in Rapid City, South Dakota. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he enjoys having the opportunity to make people's bad days better. His hobbies include: hiking, fishing, and working out. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Jackson worked one season of wildland fire with the state hand crew and one year on a volunteer fire department.

Terrance Kinzer - Recruit Kinzer was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and raised in Colome, South Dakota. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he wanted to serve his community. His hobbies include: hiking, skiing, and golf. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Kinzer was commercially fishing in Alaska and the West Coast.

Tanner Maurer - Recruit Maurer was born and raised in Boise, Idaho. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because of the great culture, training, and career opportunities he would have to serve the community. His hobbies include: biking, running, music, and spending time with his family. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Maurer worked as a volunteer firefighter and EMT for the Mapleton Fire Department in Utah.

Kodie Monical - Recruit Monical grew up in New Baden, Illinois. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he wanted to be there for the citizens of his favorite place on earth when they need him. His hobbies include: hunting, fishing, and golf. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Monical worked six years of active duty Air Force and two years as a private contractor in the Middle East. 

Nick Pappas - Recruit Pappas was born in New Jersey. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because of the challenging array of problems that he gets to solve in order to help others. His hobbies include: running, hiking, rock climbing, and hunting. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Pappas worked as a Firefighter EMT, as well as served in the National Guard.

Colton Reichert - Recruit Reichert grew up in Sturgis, South Dakota. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he enjoys being able to help his community. His hobbies include: hunting, fishing, and snowboarding. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Reichert worked as a chairlift mechanic and also for the Pennington County Sheriff's Office.

Jaxon Robbins - Recruit Robbins was born and raised in Rapid City, South Dakota. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because it was brought up as an option to him after high school. His hobbies include: video games, the gym, snowboarding, and dirt biking. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Robbins worked in food service as well as a STIHL tech at Runnings.

Ethan Updike - Recruit Updike was born in Gillette, Wyoming and grew up in Oelrichs, South Dakota. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he wants to protect and serve the community that gave him so much growing up. His hobbies include: hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Updike worked five years as an infantry rifleman in the Marine Corps.

 

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

 

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 The Rapid City Fire Department Welcomes Eight To Join the Ranks Of Rapid City's Bravest

New recruits begin Fire Training Academy

 

Rapid City, S.D. - The Rapid City Fire Department has added eight recruits to begin their careers with the Department. The newest RCFD recruits were hired to help with the growing community, as well as to help fill vacancies by those who have left the job and those who have retired. Graduation will take place for all eight recruits on May 10, 2024.

 

The recruits are:

 

Nikola Bouchard - Recruit Bouchard was born and raised in Folsom, California. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he loves to serve his community alongside his brothers and sisters. His hobbies include: gaming, 3D art, and fitness. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Bouchard worked in the Endoscopy Center at Monument Health and served in the Army.

 

Logan Hilde - Recruit Hilde was born and raised in Casper, Wyoming. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because when he was little he got in a wreck and a firefighter gave him a stuffed animal. Ever since then he wanted to be a firefighter. His hobbies include: sports, weight lifting, and fishing. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Hilde was an assistant at Casper College Fire Science and a Firefighter/EMT at Evansville Fire/EMS.  

Winton Horning - Recruit Horning was born in Kansas City, Missouri, and grew up in Buffalo, Wyoming. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he enjoys serving his community and making a difference. His hobbies include: hiking in the hills with his wife and son and traveling. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Horning was in the U.S. Navy for seven years.

Noah Krull - Recruit Krull was born and raised in Hill City, South Dakota. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because it's always been a dream and goal of his. His hobbies include: anything outside. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Krull was on the Bear Mountain Hand Crew, Vermillion Volunteer Fire Department, Hill City Volunteer Fire Department, and Tatanka Hot Shots.

Steve Pennington - Recruit Pennington was born in Southern California. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he loves being a firefighter and wanted to protect the community in which he lives. His hobbies include: hunting, fishing, and carpentry. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Pennington was a professional firefighter since 1997, the last 21 of those years with the Los Angeles Fire Department. 

Andrew Stanfield - Recruit Stanfield was born in Modesto, California. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he has a strong desire to help others and wants to make a positive impact in the community. His hobbies include: hiking with his dogs and spending time with family. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Stanfield served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps and worked on the Veteran's Wildfire Mitigation Crew for the Rapid City Fire Department. 

Julie Valandra - Recruit Valandra was born and raised in Rapid City, South Dakota. She decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because she wants to give back to her community. Her hobbies include: hiking, CrossFit, playing with her dogs, and spending time with family. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Valandra worked in the Emergency Room.

Honey Vodenka-Reed - Recruit Vodenka-Reed was born and raised in Minnesota. She decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because she loves the area and always wanted to take her fire career fulltime. Her hobbies include: skiing, watching dirt track, and riding Medic 1. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Vodenka-Reed was an EMT, volunteer firefighter, and worked for Rescue Resources Inc. 

 

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

 

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  The Rapid City Fire Department Welcomes Eleven To Join the Ranks Of Rapid City's Bravest

New recruits begin Fire Training Academy

 

Rapid City, S.D. - The Rapid City Fire Department has added 11 recruits to begin their careers with the Department. The newest RCFD recruits were hired to help with the Department's increasing call volume, as well as to help fill vacancies by those who have left the job and those who have retired. Graduation will take place for all 11 recruits on March 24, 2023.

 

The recruits are:

 

Carlos Beascochea - Recruit Beascochea was born in Owatonna, Minnesota. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he wants to serve his community and help people. His hobbies include: working out, hiking, and kayaking. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Beascochea spent four years on the Owatonna Fire Department and four months with the Mayo Clinic Ambulance. 

 

Dylan Cornelius - Recruit Cornelius was raised in Gillette, Wyoming. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he enjoys helping people and making a difference. His hobbies include: camping and building things. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Cornelius spent one year volunteering at the Laramie County Fire Department, as well as at Campbell County Fire Department Wildland Division.  

Hugo Estes - Recruit Estes was born in New Mexico, but grew up in Sturgis, South Dakota. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he wanted to transfer from animal medicine to emergency human medicine. His hobbies include: working out and being outdoors. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Estes was in the Air National Guard, which he's still serving and was working at a Veterinary Clinic. 

Ashly Franco - Recruit Franco was born in Lake Arrowhead, California. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he wanted to be near the Black Hills. His hobbies include: soccer, golf, and kayaking. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Franco was working for private EMS and also worked previously for the Mitchell Fire Department.

Benjamin Hickel - Recruit Hickel was born and raised in Watertown, South Dakota. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he wants to help people in any way possible. His hobbies include: playing and watching sports, fishing, and hanging out with family and friends. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Hickel had five years of EMS experience. 

Ascher Lindemann - Recruit Lindemann grew up in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he likes the work involved in the fire service. He also likes the combination of putting medical skills to use as a Paramedic. His hobbies include: being outside, hunting, fishing, staying fit, working on creativity, and playing piano and guitar. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Lindemann was working as a Paramedic for seven months in Sioux Falls. 

Clayton Martinez - Recruit Martinez grew up in Los Angeles, California. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he wanted to pursue a new adventure in his life. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Martinez worked as an EMT, in the Emergency Room, as a Volunteer Firefighter, and Fire Academy. 

Garrett Monroe - Recruit Monroe was born in Buffalo, Wyoming. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he wants to better serve the community and learn new skills. His hobbies include: climbing, snowmobiling, snowboarding, hunting, and playing chess. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Monroe spent six years as Hospital Base EMS in Cody, Wyoming and eight years working in Wildland Fire also in Cody, Wyoming. 

John Ott - Recruit Ott was born and raised in Bloomington, Minnesota. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he wanted to serve the community and be a Paramedic. His hobbies include: running, camping, and playing guitar. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Ott spent a few years as an EMT and five years as an accountant. 

David Riley - Recruit Riley was born in California, but moved to South Dakota in 2008. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because it was his childhood dream job, as well as a better schedule, and great financially. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Riley spent three seasons with Wildland Fire and 13 years with Law Enforcement. 

Honey Vodenka-Reed - Recruit Vodenka-Reed was born and raised in Minnesota, right on the Wisconsin border. She decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because she always loved the area and has always worked towards being a Firefighter. Her hobbies include: skiing, fishing, and hanging out and the race track. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Vodenka-Reed spent time as a Firefighter, working on an ambulance, and working for Rescue Resources Inc. 

 

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

 

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 The Rapid City Fire Department Welcomes Twelve To Join the Ranks Of Rapid City's Bravest

New recruits begin Fire Training Academy

 

Rapid City, S.D. - The Rapid City Fire Department has added 12 recruits to begin their careers with the Department. The newest RCFD recruits were hired to help with the Department's increasing call volume, as well as to help fill vacancies by those who have left the job and those who have retired. Graduation will take place for all 12 recruits on November 18, 2022.

 

The recruits are:

 

Jeremy Atwell - Recruit Atwell was born in Oregon, but grew up on the central coast of California. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department because "it seems like a great department to work that has a lot of pride and tradition". His hobbies include: snowboarding, fishing, camping, cliff jumping, and spending time with his family. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Atwell worked five years with Kings County Fire Department, two seasons on the Folsom Lake Veterans Crew, and five months on the Rapid City Fire Department's Fuels Crew. 

 

Matt Bonney - Recruit Bonney grew up in Long Beach, Washington. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department because "it felt like this is what I was meant to do, to help people; as well as, to keep my fellow brothers and sisters safe". His hobbies include: blacksmithing, fishing, video games, spending time with his wife and young son, enjoying events, and the Black Hills. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Bonney spent 17 years as a volunteer in Long Beach, Washington, four of those years as Chief. He was a contract instructor with Washington State Fire Training Academy, and a Fire Investigator since 2014, certified by Washington State Patrol. He is a EMT-B for seven years and a building inspector in Long Beach for seven years. 

Emilio Fisher - Recruit Fisher was born in Flint, Michigan and grew up in Highland, Michigan. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department because "it was the most impressive all-hazards department in one of the most beautiful areas in the country". His hobbies include: drumming, reading, and shooting hoops. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Fisher spent two years at the Highland Fire Department as a Firefighter EMT. He graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Economics and Political Science from Grand Valley State University in 2020. 

Brandon Hansen - Recruit Hansen grew up in Rapid City, SD. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department because "I wanted to serve my community and wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself, as well as be a part of the brotherhood". His hobbies include: camping and hiking. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Hansen volunteered with North Haines Volunteer Fire Department and worked in commercial construction. 

Mason Harlan - Recruit Harlan was born in Hendersonville, Tennessee, but grew up in Rapid City, SD. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department because "my dad is a Rapid City Firefighter and I also want to serve my community". His hobbies include: playing hockey and hanging out with family. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Harlan worked in construction. 

Giovanni Huguez - Recruit Huguez was born in California, but grew up in Indiana. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department because "I wanted to be a part of the great organization and serve the citizens of Rapid City". His hobbies include: hiking, spending time with family and friends, traveling, cooking, and playing with his dog. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Huguez spent the last 12 years as a structure firefighter in Indiana for the Mooresville Fire Department. He also spent part of that time as a wildland firefighter working for the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management in South Dakota and Montana. 

Mary Lane - Recruit Lane grew up in Broadus, Montana. She decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department because "I love being able to help people and really enjoy having an active job". Her hobbies include: hiking, camping, traveling, wood working, reading, hanging out with friends and family, and going on adventures. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Lane was on the Hot Springs Volunteer Fire Department since May of 2020, the Vermillion Volunteer Fire Department since September of 2020, and worked on a Type 6 Engine fighting wildland fires for the State of South Dakota out of the Hot Springs District office. She recently completed her EMT certificate. 

Marcus LeBlanc - Recruit LeBlanc was born in Craig, Colorado, but grew up in Colorado, Arizona, North Dakota, Montana, and South Dakota. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department because "it continues to give me a sense of purpose and a brotherhood". His hobbies include: working out, spending time in the Black Hills, and hunting. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit LeBlanc was in the United States Marine Corps where he served as an Infantry Rifleman, Team Leader, and Squad Leader. He was stationed in 29 Palms, California and he was with 3rd Battalion 7th Marines from 2018-2022.

Madison Mularski - Recruit Mularski grew up in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. She decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department because "RCFD is an amazing department and I believe working here will be an incredible challenge". Her hobbies include: hiking, camping, and being outside. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Mularski spent time part of the Forest Service.

Jason Sally - Recruit Sally grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department because "Rapid City has a great department with great people and it's my lifelong dream, which I truly realized after joining a volunteer agency, when it became a priority over my daily work, which is why I'm making it a career". His hobbies include: his family, dogs, and cars. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Sally was a Firefighter EMT at the Irvington Volunteer Fire Department. 

Marc Tejada - Recruit Tejada was born into a Navy family. Born in Japan. He has lived in Italy, Virginia, Hawaii, and California. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department because "my previous job was mundane and I was looking to be a part of something greater, a family, and to give back to my community". His hobbies include: Brazilian jiu-jitsu, cooking, and fishing. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Tejada was a meteorologist contractor at Ellsworth Air Force Base. He currently is serving in the U.S. Navy Reserve as a meteorologist. 

Taylor Wild - Recruit Wild grew up in Chadron, Nebraska. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department because "I wanted to push myself to new limits and be a part of something bigger than myself". His hobbies include: hunting, golf, pool, and family time. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Wild spent two years on the Chadron Volunteer Fire Department. 

 

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

 

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The Rapid City Fire Department Welcomes Four To Join the Ranks Of Rapid City's Bravest

New recruits begin Fire Training Academy

 

Rapid City, S.D. - The Rapid City Fire Department has added four recruits to begin their careers with the department. The newest RCFD recruits were hired to help with the department's increasing call volume, as well as to help fill vacancies left by those who have left the job and those who have retired. Graduation will take place for all four recruits on June 3, 2022. 

 

The recruits are:

 

Dayton Butler - Recruit Butler has lived in Colorado, Alaska, New Mexico, and South Dakota. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because of the brotherhood. He says after he graduated college, he missed the friends, family, and brotherhood of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology soccer team. He says he is also following in his grandfather's foot steps, who was a Fire Chief in Texas for the Army. His hobbies include motorcycles, camping, and cars. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Butler worked in oilfield safety, retail management, and plumbing.

 

Austin Goddard - Recruit Goddard grew up in Tucson, Arizona. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he wanted to help the community. He says he wants to serve the people of rapid City and believes he can make a difference in others lives by helping those in need, no matter how big or small. His hobbies include mountain biking. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Goddard worked as a volunteer firefighter in Spearfish. 

Issaih Allickson - Recruit Allickson grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because of the different services that are provided. He has always had a drive to serve the community he lives in and be there to help them to the best of his ability. His hobbies include biking and working out. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Allickson worked in medical transport and was also an on call firefighter.

Styles Inmon - Recruit Inmon grew up in North Dakota and Washington. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he wanted the comradery that he once knew in the military and the sense of pride in being a part of something bigger than himself. He also wants to show his kids what it means to serve. He says just because life knocks you down, doesn't mean you stay down, you get up and drive on. His hobbies include riding his Harley Davidson. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Inmon worked in the oilfield and spent six years as active Army. 

 

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

 

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