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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