Local Fire Departments Benefit From $5 Million State Grant

    The South Dakota Department of Public Safety recently announced that 251 South Dakota volunteer fire departments from across the state have been awarded grants totaling $5 million. Locally, several area volunteer departments will see the benefits of those grant dollars and are looking forward to new and updated gear. 
    Earlier this year, the South Dakota Legislature passed and Governor Noem signed HB1127 appropriating state general funds to the Department of Public Safety creating the grant program to support local volunteer fire departments. The grant money is earmarked specifically for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This includes items such as bunker gear, boots, gloves, wildland firefighting apparel, and self-contained breathing apparatus.
    According to the state, seventy-five percent of eligible volunteer fire departments participated in the program and received awards ranging from $720 to $40,500 depending on their application and need. 
    Area departments were awarded significant amounts. The Pierpont Department was awarded $33,300. North Marshall FD received $22,500. Langford was awarded $19,000. Claremont-$16,357.70, Hecla-$15,120, Veblen-$16,350, Eden- $18,000, Sunset Colony- $4,033
    All these departments are happy to have received significant funds and look forward to investing in PPE. North Marshall Fire Chief Nate Dinger said his department plans to use the money on bunker gear and structure gear. “If we can buy more bunker gear, then our firefighters will never be out of service,” Dinger said. “Right now, if you wash your gear, you have to take yourself out of service for two days.” 
    Dustin Hofland, Veblen’s Fire Chief, explained that his department plans to purchase breathing apparatus and wildland gear. He added that they are looking forward to updating the used breathing apparatus that they formerly been using. 
    Claremont Chief Matt McCranie said the bunker gear that they hope to purchase with grant funds is much needed. “Some people who will be certified soon don’t have gear,” he noted. They also hope to get some wildland gear and duel certified EMS gear. 
    Eden Fire Department will also be purchasing bunker gear as they only have about half of what they need currently, according to Fire Chief Danny Michlitsch. Langford too will obtain bunker and grassland gear. Sunset Colony’s department had several items on their list, including gloves, wildland pants, jackets, and hoods. 
    The small department of Pierpont got the largest allotment among the local groups at $33,300. Fire Chief Morgan Holler said they too will purchase bunker gear plus some grassland gear. “Most of our bunker gear was getting out of date with the exception of a few sets,” said Holler. “It’s hard for us to budget new sets in every year since most cost $4,000-5,000. This money will definitely help us start moving forward.” 
 “Volunteer fire departments play a crucial role in safeguarding communities and ensuring public safety by providing rapid response and dedicated service in emergencies,” said State Fire Marshal, Paul Merriman. “They serve as a vital backbone of the state’s overall firefighting and disaster management infrastructure. Regular financial support is critical to ensuring their safety and readiness.”
    “This funding will have a significant impact for departments statewide that have encountered budget and fundraising challenges,” said Charlie Kludt, President of the South Dakota Firefighters Association. “The funding is very much appreciated and will be put to good use.”