Alpena, Buffalo Rural and Wessington Springs were among the South Dakota volunteer fire departments from across the state that have been awarded grants totaling $5 million in funding for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). 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.
Volunteer fire departments purchase and maintain personal protective equipment for their firefighters. This grant program will help departments purchase new and replacement PPE to protect their firefighters.
“We put in for six sets of new bunker gear and we were awarded $12,735, enough for three full sets. This funding from the state is a good help. Everything helps,” said Alpena Fire Chief Ryder Schweitzer, who points out that the fire department’s revenue is derived from grants, fundraising, and fees paid to the department by townships and the City of Alpena.
“This year we bought another new firetruck thanks to our fundraiser, a tractor pull, plus donations and fees. We were also awarded a grant through Homeland Security for a brand new Jaws of Life. It was a big year for us — we got a lot done in the last year, he said, adding that the popular fundraiser of years past, ‘Dueling Duo’ piano entertainment will return as a fundraiser on February 3, 2024. Look to future editions of the True Dakotan for additional information.
PPE includes items such as bunker gear, boots, gloves, wildland firefighting apparel, and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
In Gann Valley, Fire Chief Derek Zastrow said the Buffalo Rural Volunteer Fire Department’s (BRVFD) main needs are SCBAs.
“We put in for $85,000 and got $33,300, which we will be able to use toward five or six full sets of bunker gear and SCBAs,” Zastrow explained. “All of our gear is donated or from the 1980s. We pick up everyone’s (other area fire departments) old stuff when they get new. We have a small community to draw from and are happy with the generosity.”
Zastrow also shared that the BRVFD is currently holding a gun raffle to help raise additional funds and can be purchased from any fire department member.
“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.”
Wessington Springs was awarded $22,500.00 and Fire Chief Jim Vavra said the grant funding will be used for a variety of PPE including bunker gear, woodland gear and helmets.
“As always, I want to thank the community for their support. And we want to thank the state legislators for thinking of us and the South Dakota Firefighters Association for helping with the grant process,” Vavra said.
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. The grant program is administered by the South Dakota Firefighters Association and the Department of Public Safety, Office of the State Fire Marshal.
“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.”