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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