BELLE FOURCHE—Sirens and flashing lights may be what most people associate with emergency response, but there is much more that goes into serving a community. The Belle Fourche Volunteer Fire Department showcased that work during its annual open house on June 6.
The Belle Fourche Volunteer Fire Department invited the public to experience what goes on behind the scenes of the department during its annual open house. Assistant Chief Ted Jeitz explained, “It is for the public to see what we actually do on a daily basis. I just kind of open it up so the kids can see the trucks and stuff.”
There was a whole host of activities planned. It was a day for the public to meet all of the different first responders involved in the area and the different roles they have in various rescues.
From a lunch for a free-will donation to fire truck rides, the day was packed full of fun and educational experiences. “We cut a car apart, had Life Flight show up, and then we had the ambulance to tour, and then we did the truck rides through town,” shared Jeitz. “Life Flight showed up with their chopper and they let everyone look through it.”
There were plans for the Butte County Sheriff’s Office, the Belle Fourche Police Department and the South Dakota Highway Patrol to make appearances throughout the day.
The open house is held every summer, for as long as Jeitz can remember. “As long as I’ve been on, we’ve had an open house—and that’s been 20 years!”
The fire department was happy with the turnout and how the day went. “It went really well, we had quite a few people show up, it was a good crowd,” said Jeitz.
The Belle Fourche Volunteer Fire Department has been here since 1903. Part of its mission is to advance public safety by means of its fire prevention and education programs. It is always looking for firefighters. Anyone interested should reach out to the department.
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