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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