South Dakota Salutes is honoring first responders, veterans, and their families through meaningful support and lasting impact.

Born out of an idea between friends, South Dakota Salutes is building on our state's long history of support for first responders, veterans, and their loved ones.

Each year, South Dakota Salutes holds a marksmanship competition at Hunter's Pointe Shooting Club to show appreciation for first responders and raise money for their grantmaking activities. The two-day event provides fun, food, and community for first responders, military veterans, and their families. "We wanted to do something to show them appreciation in a way that they can see and feel," said Tony Bour, co-founder of South Dakota Salutes.

Avera Medical Minute: Keeping the hearts of heroes strong for the mission

For nearly 30 years, Kurt Christiansen has put others’ safety before his own, but after losing fellow firefighter Fred Fedeler last year, the focus on his health has become a priority.

“My wife had been talking about maybe getting this done for a while, and that just makes you think harder about it and speed things up.”

Thanks to South Dakota Salutes, Kurt and two dozen of the Lake County volunteer firemen went through Planet Heart screenings to make sure they were truly healthy enough to handle the stress of the job. Kurt didn’t know what to expect but had a sneaky suspicion.

South Dakota Salutes shows its appreciation for first responders

Since 2016, South Dakota Salutes has donated around $60,000 to rural and local agencies through a Special Needs Fund.

“Anything that they need to protect their own lives. So like, firefighter gear, or air packs, or things like that, something they really would need that would take care of themselves,” Korsten said.

The organization has also donated $70,000 to families of fallen heroes through its loss of life fund. Now, South Dakota Salutes is working with Avera Heart Hospital to screen these responders.

South Dakota Salutes honors first responders, military and veterans

The 8th annual South Dakota Salutes appreciation shooting competition is happening Monday and Tuesday in Humboldt.

South Dakota Salutes was organized to show appreciation to those who serve and protect the state.

The event is free for first responders, military members and veterans.

South Dakota Salutes donates money to family of fire chief who died

The family of the fire chief who died battling a fire in Huron this week is receiving a check from a South Dakota organization.

South Dakota Salutes presented the family of Cavour Fire Chief Josh Kogel with a check for $10,000.

South Dakota Salutes to hold 8th annual Appreciation Shooting Competition

Scott Korsten talks to Baylee Peterson about the upcoming appreciation event being held for South Dakota's First Responders and military personel.

7th Annual South Dakota Salutes honors those who keep us safe

The 7th annual South Dakota Salutes aims to honor law enforcement, first responders, and members of the military.

More than 600 participants are participating this year. The two-day event also serves as a fundraiser for the Loss of Life Fund, which helps families who have lost families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty.

South Dakota Salutes event shows appreciation to first responders

From shotguns, to rifles, to pistols, over 600 local law enforcement officers and other First Responders are taking part in a little friendly shooting competition.

This is the 6th year of South Dakota Salutes. The aim of this event is not only to show appreciation to South Dakota First Responders and military personnel, but also to raise money for the families of the fallen heroes who have died in the line of duty.

South Dakota Salutes does tremendous things for us in our community and in our state. Supporting the families of First Responders who have lost their lives in the line of duty, South Dakota Salutes has always been there for us. First Responders throughout South Dakota appreciate South Dakota Salutes and in particular this event.

“When people talk about American exceptionalism, I have seen it every day. The kinds of things our service members do in the face of great odds and danger is absolutely breathtaking,” said retired Major General Robert Bray.

The effort you give to keep our great state safe does not go unnoticed, I can't thank you enough!

Good luck in the tournament!

Monday kicked off the 5th annual South Dakota Salutes competition. The event aims to raise money for families of South Dakota first responders who have died in the line of duty.

Those involved with the event say it’s a great way to honor the work of first responders and have a little fun at the same time.

A free shooting competition at the end of the month is a big thank you to local first responders and military personnel. South Dakota Salutes is entering its fifth year of honoring local heroes like Capt. Joe Bosman and his team from the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office.

The 4th annual South Dakota salutes event is being held today and tomorrow in Humboldt.

Raising money for the families of South Dakota first responders who have died in the line of duty.

The 4th annual event is seeing a 30-percent increase in attendance. More than 360 first responders and military personnel signed up to take part in the sporting clays competition. Dozens are also lining up for the pistol and rifle events. Jason Janssen is excited to be out here with other members of Garretson Fire.

South Dakota salutes works to bridge the immediate financial concerns for families of first responders who have died while serving their community.

South Dakota's U.S. Senator John Thune, U.S. Senator Mike Rounds, and U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson welcome attendees to the 4th Annual South Dakota Salutes appreciation shooting competitions.

Getting together some of the best South Dakota has to offer just to say thank you, it’s a gesture Division Chief Jay Titus with Sioux Falls Fire Rescue doesn't take lightly.

South Dakota Salutes supports family of firefighter

The South Dakota Salutes appreciation event is no charge to first responders and military members. Each station and the shells they're using are free for the men and women in thanks for their service to their communities.

Appreciation Event Coming Up For First Responders And Local Military

A local organization wants to say “thank you” to South Dakota first responders and military members through an upcoming event in Humboldt. South Dakota Salutes is putting on an appreciation shooting competition that will be free for all those who serve and protect the citizens of the state. 

“I can tell you with Deputy Maciejewski’s family, it was overwhelming,” Minnehaha County Sheriff Mike Milstead said.

Money raised from sponsors of the event is given to the families of fallen heroes, including the family of Minnehaha County Deputy Sheriff Steve Maciejewski who died earlier this year. 

South Dakota Salutes Hosting Appreciation Event For First Responders Next Week

South Dakota Salutes is showing its gratitude to local law enforcement, firefighters and military members through a special event next week. 

Men and women who put their lives on the line in service to the state are invited to a free shooting competition at Hunter’s Pointe in Humboldt. Volunteer Scott Korsten says first responders need to register ahead of time if they want to attend the third annual event.

Presho Fire Chief’s Family Receives Donation From South Dakota Salutes

The family of the fallen Presho Fire Chief received a generous donation on Tuesday.  

The non-profit group South Dakota Salutes raised over $100,000 to give to families who lost a loved one in the line of duty. 

On Tuesday, they gave their first check to the three children of Donald Manger.  The Presho Fire Chief died on Saturday while responding to a fire.

The 2nd Annual South Dakota Salutes shooting event was a huge success...see more from this important competition, an event to say Thank You to South Dakota first responders and military personnel.

A military veteran himself, KELO's Matt Holsen reports on the 2nd Annual South Dakota Salutes shooting competition.

South Dakota first responders, military and military vets...check out video from the our previous South Dakota Salutes appreciation competition and then register to join us September 25 or 26, 2017.

Nashville recording artist Jill Miller performs "Salute" a song she wrote to show appreciation to those who serve and protect - a tribute to South Dakota Salutes.

This world debut of "Salute" was recorded at "A Hero's Christmas" Saturday, November 19, 2016 in Sioux Falls, SD at the Sioux Falls Orpheum Theater.

The inaugural South Dakota Salutes shooting competitions began on Monday, September 26th and continue Tuesday, September 27th at Hunters Pointe Shooting Club near Humboldt, SD

The inaugural South Dakota Salutes shooting competitions take place on Monday and Tuesday, September 26th and 27th at Hunters Pointe Shooting Club near Humboldt, SD. These events are a way for South Dakotans to express appreciation for our law enforcement, fire & rescue, EMTs, military and military veterans.

The inaugural South Dakota Salutes event took place on Monday, September 26th at Hunters Pointe Shooting Club near Humboldt, SD.

South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard sends his best wishes to participants of the inaugural South Dakota Salutes shooting competitions.