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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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

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