South Dakota Salutes | Loss of Life Fund
A special trust fund intended to bridge the immediate financial concerns of families of South Dakota First Responders who have died in the “line of duty.” Within three days of a line-of-duty death, a check for $10,000 is issued from our South Dakota Salutes First Responder Trust Fund and “personally delivered” to the family.
The heart-felt letters of appreciation we have received from the surviving families, thanking us for helping them bridge the gap of financial uncertainty during this most difficult time, support our intention to perpetuate this fund.
South Dakota's Fallen Heroes
The South Dakota Salutes organization honors our state's first responders and military--those brave men and women who protect and serve through their full-time, part-time, and volunteer commitments to the citizens of South Dakota.
Since our group's inception in the Fall of 2016, several of those heroes have lost their life while on-duty. We honor their service here and also pay tribute to their families who supported them in that service.
Dwain Hudson | Last Alarm 4/17/2019
Argyle Volunteer Fire Department
Hudson took pride in serving his communities, retiring after 27 years as a highway patrolman and also as a volunteer fire fighter. Dwain was a Master Mason and competed in the Cowboy Action Shooting Competitions.
David Fischer | Last Alarm 9/7/2018
Assistant Fire Chief of the Sturgis Volunteer Fire Department
Fischer, who also worked with the Sturgis Ambulance Service, served with the fire department for 22 years. He was an Iraq War veteran and a member of the South Dakota National Guard's 82nd Civil Support Team.
Steve Maciejewski | End of Watch 4/3/2018
Minnehaha County Deputy
Deputy Steve "Magic" Maciejewski, a 23-year veteran of the sheriff's office, was the manager of the county's 24/7 sobriety program. He started with the department in 1995 as a correctional officer at the Minnehaha County Jail, and later became a permanent patrol officer in Hartford. He also served as a school resource officer, mentoring high school students who were interested in law enforcement careers through the department's Explorer Program.
Donald F. Manger | Last Alarm 10/14/2017
Fire Chief of the Presho Volunteer Fire Dept
Donald "Donny" Manger was a 36-year veteran in the fire service, serving 23 of those years as the department's Fire Chief.
As is often the case, the Manger family has a long and proud tradition. Donny's father and brothers are emergency service professionals, working in both the fire service and law enforcement services.
