RCFD Responds To Afternoon Motorcycle Crash

Rapid City, S.D. -  At approximately 2 pm on February 14, the Rapid City Fire Department responded to a report of a motorcycle vs pick-up crash with injury in the 1900 block of West Main St. The Rapid City Fire Department can confirm that the motorcycle rider injured as a result of this crash was an off-duty Rapid City Firefighter.

The injured firefighter is Robert Rendon, a nine-year veteran of the RCFD. Rendon, an enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, is a Firefighter/Paramedic assigned to the Downtown fire station and serves as a Paramedic on the Rapid City/Pennington County Special Response Team (SRT).

Firefighter/Paramedic Rendon is currently being treated at Rapid City Regional Hospital. As a result of injuries sustained in the crash, Firefighter/Paramedic Rendon required surgery that resulted in a below the knee amputation of his lower right leg.

As early as this morning, Robert was expressing his determination to test for Operations Lieutenant in the spring and his plans to pass the department physical standards test and return to full duty. This is characteristic of Robert and his positive attitude and dogged determination.

A number of motorists stopped to render aid to Robert and, for that, he and the department are profoundly grateful. Two Rapid City Police Officers, Sr. Officer Jerred Younie and Sr. Officer Mark Weyer, applied an emergency tourniquet to control the serious, life-threatening bleeding that Firefighter/Paramedic Rendon was experiencing. For that, Robert, his family, and the department wish to express our collective gratitude.

Firefighter/Paramedic Rendon expressed to members of the department that he is certain that helmet use prevented him from sustaining a head injury as he vividly remembers his head striking the pick-up involved. If nothing else, Robert hopes that the community- especially his family, friends, and fellow firefighters- realize the importance of wearing a helmet when riding a motorcycle.

The Rapid City Fire Department, Robert and his family are tremendously appreciative for the outpouring of support that has already been received from the community. While this support is greatly appreciated, Robert, his family and the RCFD respectfully ask for the community to respect their privacy during this time. When the time becomes appropriate, an update on Robert’s progress and condition will be shared.

Lt. Jim Bussell, Public Information Officer for the Rapid City Fire Department, will be the official spokesperson for Firefighter/Paramedic Rendon and his family as well as for the organization. Please contact Lt. Bussell at (605)-394-4180 for questions or comment related to this release.

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