The Rapid City Fire Department Welcomes Ten 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 ten 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 ten recruits on April 25, 2025.

 

The recruits are:

 

Joseph Essi - Recruit Essi was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he wants to be the person to save his mother, brother, sister, or father. He says, "by extension we are all brothers and sisters of this country and I am proud to protect what was established." His hobbies include: bushcraft, weight lifting, and personal projects. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Essi worked for Ralston Volunteer Fire and Rescue, Medcor, and CASS County CERT. 

 

JonTyler Gutierrez - Recruit Gutierrez grew up in Box Elder and Rapid City, South Dakota. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because of the culture. His hobbies include: hunting, fishing, climbing, and archery. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Gutierrez worked for the U.S. Army and the Box Elder Fire Department. 

Ikaika Jackson - Recruit Jackson grew up in Rapid City, South Dakota. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he enjoys having the opportunity to make people's bad days better. His hobbies include: hiking, fishing, and working out. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Jackson worked one season of wildland fire with the state hand crew and one year on a volunteer fire department.

Terrance Kinzer - Recruit Kinzer was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and raised in Colome, South Dakota. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he wanted to serve his community. His hobbies include: hiking, skiing, and golf. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Kinzer was commercially fishing in Alaska and the West Coast.

Tanner Maurer - Recruit Maurer was born and raised in Boise, Idaho. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because of the great culture, training, and career opportunities he would have to serve the community. His hobbies include: biking, running, music, and spending time with his family. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Maurer worked as a volunteer firefighter and EMT for the Mapleton Fire Department in Utah.

Kodie Monical - Recruit Monical grew up in New Baden, Illinois. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he wanted to be there for the citizens of his favorite place on earth when they need him. His hobbies include: hunting, fishing, and golf. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Monical worked six years of active duty Air Force and two years as a private contractor in the Middle East. 

Nick Pappas - Recruit Pappas was born in New Jersey. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because of the challenging array of problems that he gets to solve in order to help others. His hobbies include: running, hiking, rock climbing, and hunting. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Pappas worked as a Firefighter EMT, as well as served in the National Guard.

Colton Reichert - Recruit Reichert grew up in Sturgis, South Dakota. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he enjoys being able to help his community. His hobbies include: hunting, fishing, and snowboarding. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Reichert worked as a chairlift mechanic and also for the Pennington County Sheriff's Office.

Jaxon Robbins - Recruit Robbins was born and raised in Rapid City, South Dakota. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because it was brought up as an option to him after high school. His hobbies include: video games, the gym, snowboarding, and dirt biking. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Robbins worked in food service as well as a STIHL tech at Runnings.

Ethan Updike - Recruit Updike was born in Gillette, Wyoming and grew up in Oelrichs, South Dakota. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he wants to protect and serve the community that gave him so much growing up. His hobbies include: hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Updike worked five years as an infantry rifleman in the Marine Corps.

 

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.

 

-END-