volunteer fire departments

The Humbolt Fire Department, as seen on Nov. 18, 2022. (John Hult/South Dakota Searchlight)

County commissioner: Carbon pipelines should outfit volunteer fire departments

BY: - March 30, 2023

A Minnehaha County commissioner wants volunteer firefighters in the state’s most populous county to ask for safety equipment from two carbon pipeline companies for use in the event of a pipeline failure — something the companies say they’re willing to do. The suggestion from Commissioner Joe Kippley came last week on the heels of a […]

Rep. Kevin Jensen, R-Sioux Falls, turns to ask a question during a meeting of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Feb. 27, 2023, at the Capitol in Pierre. (John Hult/South Dakota Searchlight)

Volunteer fire departments could get millions in state aid

BY: - February 27, 2023

PIERRE — Most of South Dakota’s land area is protected by firefighters who don’t get paid for their work. Most of the fire departments they work for aren’t government entities. That means the fundraising reality of the state’s largely volunteer fire force is one of charity drives, fill-the-boot dances, chili feeds and direct mail solicitation. […]