Six New Recruits Begin RCFD Careers

Rapid City, S.D. - On Monday, six new individuals began their careers with the Rapid City Fire Department. They have joined with six new employees that began in August and are now all taking part in a 10-week academy. The recruits are set to graduate in mid-December and will begin riding apparatus at that time.

Brian Shearer is a 2009 graduate of Rapid City Stevens HS. Brian enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he was in the infantry and served on a deployment to Afghanistan. Brian is married with one young son. He is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys hunting and fishing.

Jesse Bean was born and raised in Wasilla, Alaska. Jesse is a 2012 graduate of Dakota State with a degree in Education. Jesse has previous experience in the fire service as he was employed by the Mitchell, SD Fire Department for two years.

Jacob Maggart is originally from Iowa. After high school graduation, Jake joined the United States Marine Corps as an infantryman in 2009. Jake deployed to Afghanistan in 2010/2011. After he ended active duty, Jake moved to Denver, CO with his wife, Cindy. Jake is excited to begin a career in fire and emergency services after spending the last few years working in an office job.

Tanner Urbaniak is a native of Sturgis and a graduate of Black Hills State University with a degree in Biology. Tanner has four years of experience with the Sturgis Fire Department and two years of experience with the Sturgis Ambulance Service. Tanner is currently enrolled in Paramedic training.

Ben McKee was born in Rapid City and grew up in Hill City. Ben is a 2013 graduate of Hill City High School. Ben has previous fire service experience with the United States Forest Service where he spent three seasons and has been a member of Hill City Ambulance Service for the past four years. Ben graduated Paramedic training in 2015.

Steve McCollar grew up in Sioux Falls and moved to the Black Hills in 1999. Steve started his fire service career in 200 as a volunteer with the Sturgis Fire Department. In 2003, Steve began a career with the Rapid City Fire Department. He left the department in 2014 to pursue other interests. Steve is excited to return to the Rapid City Fire Department and for a renewed opportunity to serve our community. Steve has two sons, ages 11 and 13. They enjoy outdoors activities in their free time.

The Rapid City Fire Department is excited for our new-recruits to begin their careers and believe that they will have long, and fulfilling careers as Rapid City's Bravest. 

Please contact Rapid City Fire Department Public Information Officer Lt. Jim Bussell at (605)-394-4180 with questions related to this release.

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