The Rapid City Fire Department Welcomes 13 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 13 recruits to begin their careers with the department. The newest RCFD recruits were hired to help fill vacancies left by those who have left the job and those who have retired. Graduation will take place on May 1, 2026.
The recruits are:
Nick Chavis - Recruit Chavis grew up in Ozark, Missouri. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he wants to be part of a team, serve a community, and live in the mountains. His hobbies include rock climbing, weight lifting, and trail running. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Chavis worked four years in the U.S. Army as a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic, Gym Owner/Manager, and Coach/Athlete in Competitive Rock Climbing. He also worked with individuals as a Rehab Specialist, helping people correct movement issues/imbalances.
Cody English - Recruit English was born in Guam, but grew up in Rapid City. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he said it will be a better fit for him than teaching and he can still serve while giving back to the community he grew up in. His hobbies include being with his family, hunting, fishing, playing hockey, and video games. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit English was in the Marine Corps, Oil Field, Wildland Firefighter, Rapid City Fire Department Fuels Mitigation Crew, College, SD National Guard, and Teaching at Stevens High School.
Shane Fitzgerald - Recruit Fitzgerald grew up in Houston, Texas. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he enjoys the Black Hills. His hobbies include anything outdoors. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Fitzgerald worked for the Houston Fire Department.
James Flynn - Recruit Flynn was born in Rapid City. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he wanted to do something larger than himself and become a professional firefighter. He wanted to learn from the best, to be the best. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Flynn worked as a volunteer firefighter/EMS provider and in Law Enforcement.
Ben Kruppenbacher - Recruit Kruppenbacher grew up in upstate New York before moving to Montana in 2013. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he wanted a team to learn from and challenge him to keep growing. His hobbies include spending time with his family, shooting, and being outdoors. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Kruppenbacher was a High School Agriculture and Shop Teacher and an EMT on his local small town ambulance service.
Jacob LaPlante - Recruit LaPlante grew up in Grass Valley, California. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he wanted to continue to serve his community. His hobbies include fishing and hunting. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit LaPlante has six years of active duty fire service at Ellsworth Air Force Base Fire and Emergency Services.
Aidan Mason - Recruit Mason was born in Phoenix, Arizona, but grew up in Rapid City. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he wants to serve the community that raised him and hopefully make a difference. His hobbies include hunting, fishing, and golf. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Mason was a Firefighter at North Haines Volunteer Fire Department for three years and worked at Black Hills Tire as a Technician.
Cam Paisley - Recruit Paisley was born and raised in Spearfish. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he wants to help the community of the Black Hills. His hobbies include highlining, rock climbing, ice climbing, and martial arts. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Paisley was a Volunteer Firefighter in Spearfish and Sturgis.
Isaac Perkins - Recruit Perkins was born and raised in Rapid City. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he he grew up in the fire department with his Dad being a 20+ year Firefighter, he's never wanted to do anything else. His hobbies include spending time with family and friends, working on his cars, and enjoying the outdoors. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Perkins worked for the Wall Ambulance Service and the Rapid City Fire Department Fuels Mitigation Crew.
De'Vaughn Porter - Recruit Porter was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota and lived in multiple other places. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, to have a stable job while following his military career. His hobbies include medicine, weight lifting, instruments, and hiking. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Porter was an Army Combat Medic, working as a Paramedic in and around the Twin Cities for four years.
Bryce Swanson - Recruit Swanson was born in San Antonio, Texas, but grew up in Rapid City since the 4th grade. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he believes the fire service is the best way to show his passion and pride to the community. His hobbies include playing his guitar, spending time in the hills, and hanging out with friends and family. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Swanson worked at Whispering Pines Volunteer Fire Department and studied along with playing football at Black Hills State University.
Chad Uchytil - Recruit Uchytil was born in Aberdeen, but grew up in Rapid City. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he admires the professionalism and all the services the department provides. His hobbies include spending time with his three kids, exercising, hunting, mountain biking, backpacking, camping, and anything outdoors with his wife. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Uchytil worked for Battle Creek Fire Department, Keystone Ambulance, Hill City Ambulance, a few years with the Rapid City Fire Department, and most recently as a Squad Boss for the Black Hat Hand Crew with SD Wildland Fire.
Josh Winkler - Recruit Winkler was born and raised in Rapid City. He decided to join the Rapid City Fire Department, because he has a strong passion for emergency services and wanted to serve with an outstanding department. His hobbies include hiking, being outside, and enjoying the lake in the summer. Before joining the Rapid City Fire Department, Recruit Winkler was a Combat Medic in the Army, an Advanced EMT in Tennessee, the Rapid City Fire Department Fuels Mitigation Crew, and is currently in the SD National Guard.
The Rapid City Fire Department is excited to have these outstanding recruits join our ranks. Please join us in congratulating and welcoming these fine individuals.
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