RAPID CITY, S.D. – The National Volunteer Fire Council is holding its Fall Conference in Rapid City this week, bringing together leaders from across the country to discuss issues facing volunteer fire and EMS services. The South Dakota Firefighters Association is hosting the 3-day event, which began Monday with meetings at the DoubleTree Hotel and Convention Center.
To kick off the conference, the Rapid Valley Volunteer Fire Department is hosting a picnic dinner for attendees and local media on Monday, Sept. 22 at its station located at 3760 Reservoir Road.
The National Volunteer Fire Council, or NVFC, is the main organization representing volunteer fire and EMS services in the U.S. Approximately 68 directors from over 40 states are expected to attend the conference. They will discuss fire programs and regulations with federal agencies like the National Fire Protection Association, the U.S. Fire Administration, and FEMA.
Volunteer firefighters are essential to fire and rescue services in South Dakota and the Black Hills region. Of the nearly 8,300 firefighters in the state, about 7,800, or 93%, are volunteers. This is a much higher percentage than the national average, which is between 65% and 70%. In Pennington County alone, there are 19 volunteer fire departments with about 450 men and women who serve their communities.
The Rapid Valley Fire Department, on behalf of the South Dakota Firefighters Association, invites local media to attend the picnic to help highlight the critical role of volunteer firefighters.