South Dakota Salutes | Special Needs Fund
This fund was created through the vision of an individual donor, whose intent was to provide “seed money” that would be used to raise matching local funds, with proceeds targeted to fund unmet needs of emergency service organizations throughout South Dakota.
That initial "matching funds" criteria was met through a partnership with the Trusted Choice Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota (IIASD) and the Trusted Choice agents throughout the state. The IIASD group had been administering a similar grant program over several years, and supported South Dakota Salutes in quickly utilizing their process of application and grant selection, allowing the initial funds received to be quickly and efficiently deployed.
Grants Awarded
The South Dakota Salutes organization reviewed grant applications submitted through the IIASD by volunteer fire departments in district 3 (east river) and district 7 (west river). From the applications submitted, the Lennox and Custer VFDs were selected to receive a $5,000 South Dakota Salutes grant matched by another $5,000 provided by the IIASD.
Through this process, it has become clear the needs of emergency response organizations throughout South Dakota are underfunded for the services they must fulfill. As we work to raise funds for these special needs, South Dakota Salutes challenges donors to recognize the importance of this effort and fund the effort with us!
Lake Andes Fire Department | East River
The Lake Andes, SD Volunteer Fire Department received a $5,000 grant to help pay for a Rescue Alive Ice Rescue Platform and two Ice Rescue Suits. The South Dakota Salutes grant was suplimented by the City of Pickstown, Andes State Bank, Nancy Gall, Ron and Stephanie Koupal (DEKALB Asgrow Seed), Juffer Inc., and Jeff Scherschligt. Their support increased the total grant to $9,500.
The Lake Andes, SD Volunteer Fire Department received a $5,000 grant to help pay for a Rescue Alive Ice Rescue Platform and two Ice Rescue Suits. The South Dakota Salutes grant was suplimented by the City of Pickstown, Andes State Bank, Nancy Gall, Ron and Stephanie Koupal (DEKALB Asgrow Seed), Juffer Inc., and Jeff Scherschligt. Their support increased the total grant to $9,500.
The Lake Andes, SD Volunteer Fire Department received a $5,000 grant to help pay for a Rescue Alive Ice Rescue Platform and two Ice Rescue Suits. The South Dakota Salutes grant was suplimented by the City of Pickstown, Andes State Bank, Nancy Gall, Ron and Stephanie Koupal (DEKALB Asgrow Seed), Juffer Inc., and Jeff Scherschligt. Their support increased the total grant to $9,500.
The Lake Andes, SD Volunteer Fire Department received a $5,000 grant to help pay for a Rescue Alive Ice Rescue Platform and two Ice Rescue Suits. The South Dakota Salutes grant was suplimented by the City of Pickstown, Andes State Bank, Nancy Gall, Ron and Stephanie Koupal (DEKALB Asgrow Seed), Juffer Inc., and Jeff Scherschligt. Their support increased the total grant to $9,500.
View Lake Andes Gallery >
Lake Andes, South Dakota is the county seat of Charles Mix County and is surrounded by large volumes of water; the community's namesake Lake Andes is 4,817 acres of recreational water. The Missouri River and Lake Francis Case are also nearby. With much of the area's water providing fishing opportunities to anglers year round, the Lake Andes Fire Department relied on a technique of pressurizing fire hoses with air to perform ice/water rescues.
South Dakota Salutes was made aware of the Lake Andes Fire Department's request to add a Rescue Alive Ice Rescue Platform along with Ice Rescue Suits and awarded a grant through our Special Needs Fund to serve as seed money to help raise local funds to complete the purchase.
Additional funds were provided by City of Pickstown, Andes State Bank, Nancy Gall, Ron and Stephanie Koupal (DEKALB Asgrow Seed), Juffer Inc., and Jeff Scherschligt.
Harrisburg Community Fire Department | East River
The Harrisburg, SD Community Fire Department received a $2,500 grant to help pay for replacement nozzles, fire hose, and a thermal imaging camera. The South Dakota Salutes grant was matched by Showplace Cabinetry of Harrisburg increasing the total grant to $5,000.
The Harrisburg, SD Community Fire Department received a $2,500 grant to help pay for replacement nozzles, fire hose, and a thermal imaging camera. The South Dakota Salutes grant was matched by Showplace Cabinetry of Harrisburg increasing the total grant to $5,000.
The Harrisburg, SD Community Fire Department received a $2,500 grant to help pay for replacement nozzles, fire hose, and a thermal imaging camera. The South Dakota Salutes grant was matched by Showplace Cabinetry of Harrisburg increasing the total grant to $5,000.
The Harrisburg, SD Community Fire Department received a $2,500 grant to help pay for replacement nozzles, fire hose, and a thermal imaging camera. The South Dakota Salutes grant was matched by Showplace Cabinetry of Harrisburg increasing the total grant to $5,000.
View Harrisburg Gallery >
The Harrisburg Community Fire Department submitted a request to fund the purchase of replacement nozzles, fire hose, and a thermal imaging camera through an annual grant program administered by the Trusted Choice Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota (IIASD). Although that grant request was not originally selected from over 40 applications, a second review of the IIASD applications by a South Dakota Salutes team identified their request as one that would be supported.
In keeping with the local-support intent of the special needs fund, Showplace Cabinetry, a Harrisburg-based business, was approached and agreed to match the South Dakota Salutes grant.
Viborg Fire Department | East River
The Viborg, SD Fire Department received a $2,500 grant to help pay for new helmets
The Viborg Fire Dept applied for a grant for new helmets to replace their severely dated helmets through a program offered by the Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota. Although that grant request was not originally selected from over 40 applications, a second review of the applications by a South Dakota Salutes team identified this as a request that we wanted to support.
The Viborg Fire Dept applied for a grant for new helmets to replace their severely dated helmets through a program offered by the Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota. Although that grant request was not originally selected from over 40 applications, a second review of the applications by a South Dakota Salutes team identified this as a request that we wanted to support.
The Viborg, SD Fire Department received a $2,500 grant to help pay for new helmets
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The Viborg Fire Dept applied for a grant for new helmets to replace their severely dated helmets through a program offered by the Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota. Although that grant request was not originally selected from over 40 applications, a second review of the applications by a South Dakota Salutes team identified this as a request that we wanted to support.
From their application:
"...a risk assessment of the current status of our aged equipment has led us to start the process of replacing our personal protective equipment over the last several years. This will allow for the Viborg and Cameron Colony firefighters to replace the PPE helmets varying from 15-25 years of service."
While the grant from South Dakota Salutes is not sufficient to purchase a the quantity of helmets needed, it is our hope the money from South Dakota Salutes can be used as "seed money" to give other local supporters a reason to make a similar donation to their local fire department.
Gann Valley Fire Department | East River
Last Fall, the Gann Valley VFD began seeking funds to purchase a jaws of life tool that would allow their emergency responders a greater ability to gain access to victims trapped in a vehicle following an accident. This is often the difference between life and death for the victim. South Dakota Salutes became aware of this need and identified the Gann Valley VFD to receive a gift through our Special Needs Fund, knowing that area residents were actively and successfully raising money for this.
Last Fall, the Gann Valley VFD began seeking funds to purchase a jaws of life tool that would allow their emergency responders a greater ability to gain access to victims trapped in a vehicle following an accident. This is often the difference between life and death for the victim. South Dakota Salutes became aware of this need and identified the Gann Valley VFD to receive a gift through our Special Needs Fund, knowing that area residents were actively and successfully raising money for this.
Last Fall, the Gann Valley VFD began seeking funds to purchase a jaws of life tool that would allow their emergency responders a greater ability to gain access to victims trapped in a vehicle following an accident. This is often the difference between life and death for the victim. South Dakota Salutes became aware of this need and identified the Gann Valley VFD to receive a gift through our Special Needs Fund, knowing that area residents were actively and successfully raising money for this.
Last Fall, the Gann Valley VFD began seeking funds to purchase a jaws of life tool that would allow their emergency responders a greater ability to gain access to victims trapped in a vehicle following an accident. This is often the difference between life and death for the victim. South Dakota Salutes became aware of this need and identified the Gann Valley VFD to receive a gift through our Special Needs Fund, knowing that area residents were actively and successfully raising money for this.
View Gann Valley Gallery >
Last Fall, the Gann Valley VFD began seeking funds to purchase a jaws of life tool that would allow their emergency responders a greater ability to gain access to victims trapped in a vehicle following an accident. This is often the difference between life and death for the victim.
South Dakota Salutes became aware of this need and identified the Gann Valley VFD to receive a gift through our Special Needs Fund, knowing that area residents were actively and successfully raising money for this purpose, but still running short.
Efforts by area residents to support their local VFD is commendable, and a timely demonstration of how the grant from South Dakota Salutes can be used as "seed money" giving other local supporters a reason to make a similar donation to their local fire department.
Argyle Fire & EMS | West River
The Argyle VFD applied for a grant for new wildland fire helmets and structural fire helmets to replace their severely dated helmets (mostly received as hand-me-downs) through a program offered by the Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota. Although that grant request was not originally selected from over 40 applications, a second review of the applications by a South Dakota Salutes team identified this as a request that we wanted to support.
The Argyle VFD applied for a grant for new wildland fire helmets and structural fire helmets to replace their severely dated helmets (mostly received as hand-me-downs) through a program offered by the Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota. Although that grant request was not originally selected from over 40 applications, a second review of the applications by a South Dakota Salutes team identified this as a request that we wanted to support.
The Argyle VFD applied for a grant for new wildland fire helmets and structural fire helmets to replace their severely dated helmets (mostly received as hand-me-downs) through a program offered by the Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota. Although that grant request was not originally selected from over 40 applications, a second review of the applications by a South Dakota Salutes team identified this as a request that we wanted to support.
The Argyle VFD applied for a grant for new wildland fire helmets and structural fire helmets to replace their severely dated helmets (mostly received as hand-me-downs) through a program offered by the Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota. Although that grant request was not originally selected from over 40 applications, a second review of the applications by a South Dakota Salutes team identified this as a request that we wanted to support.
View Argyle Gallery >
The Argyle VFD applied for a grant for new wildland fire helmets and structural fire helmets to replace their severely dated helmets (mostly received as hand-me-downs) through a program offered by the Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota. Although that grant request was not originally selected from over 40 applications, a second review of the applications by a South Dakota Salutes team identified this as a request that we wanted to support.
From their application:
"This grant would help us provide the AVFD firefighters with state of the art, safe helmets and hardhats to protect them while in harsh fire conditions."
While the grant from South Dakota Salutes is not sufficient to purchase a the quantity of helmets needed, it is our hope the money from South Dakota Salutes can be used as "seed money" to give other local supporters a reason to make a similar donation to their local fire department.
Custer Volunteer Fire Department | West River
Congratulations to the Custer Volunteer Fire Department on receiving the first West River combined grant from the Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota in partnership with the new South Dakota Salutes Special Needs Fund. Over 40 departments across South Dakota applied for the grants; Custer was selected based on their compelling request for new SCBAs to replace aging units they have been using.
Congratulations to the Custer Volunteer Fire Department on receiving the first West River combined grant from the Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota in partnership with the new South Dakota Salutes Special Needs Fund. Over 40 departments across South Dakota applied for the grants; Custer was selected based on their compelling request for new SCBAs to replace aging units they have been using.
Congratulations to the Custer Volunteer Fire Department on receiving the first West River combined grant from the Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota in partnership with the new South Dakota Salutes Special Needs Fund. Over 40 departments across South Dakota applied for the grants; Custer was selected based on their compelling request for new SCBAs to replace aging units they have been using.
Congratulations to the Custer Volunteer Fire Department on receiving the first West River combined grant from the Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota in partnership with the new South Dakota Salutes Special Needs Fund. Over 40 departments across South Dakota applied for the grants; Custer was selected based on their compelling request for new SCBAs to replace aging units they have been using.
View Custer Gallery >
Congratulations to the Custer Volunteer Fire Department on receiving the first West River combined grant from the Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota in partnership with the new South Dakota Salutes Special Needs Fund.
Over 40 departments across South Dakota applied for the grants; Custer was selected based on their compelling request for new SCBAs to replace aging units they have been using.
From their application:
"These breathing apparatuses, also known as an air packs, are devices worn to provide breathable air in an atmosphere that is immediately dangerous to life or health. It is one of the most important pieces of equipment any fire department has!"
Spearfish Fire Department | West River
The Spearfish Fire Department applied for a grant for personal protective equipment called "buddy breathers" through a program offered by the Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota. Although that grant request was not originally selected from over 40 applications, a second review of the applications by a South Dakota Salutes team identified this as a request that we wanted to support.
The Spearfish Fire Department applied for a grant for personal protective equipment called "buddy breathers" through a program offered by the Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota. Although that grant request was not originally selected from over 40 applications, a second review of the applications by a South Dakota Salutes team identified this as a request that we wanted to support.
The Spearfish Fire Department applied for a grant for personal protective equipment called "buddy breathers" through a program offered by the Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota. Although that grant request was not originally selected from over 40 applications, a second review of the applications by a South Dakota Salutes team identified this as a request that we wanted to support.
The Spearfish Fire Department applied for a grant for personal protective equipment called "buddy breathers" through a program offered by the Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota. Although that grant request was not originally selected from over 40 applications, a second review of the applications by a South Dakota Salutes team identified this as a request that we wanted to support.
View Spearfish Gallery >
The Spearfish Fire Department applied for a grant for personal protective equipment called "buddy breathers" through a program offered by the Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota. Although that grant request was not originally selected from over 40 applications, a second review of the applications by a South Dakota Salutes team identified this as a request that we wanted to support.
From their application:
"Buddy breathers allow other firefighters on the crew to safely and quickly connect to the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) of another firefighter. This allows the firefighters to share an air supply, something which might be the difference between life and death."
While the grant from South Dakota Salutes is not sufficient to purchase a the quantity of buddy breathers needed, it is our hope the money from South Dakota Salutes can be used as "seed money" to give other local supporters a reason to make a similar donation to their local fire department.
New Underwood Department | West River
The New Underwood VFD applied for a grant for two thermal imaging cameras through a program offered by the Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota. Although that grant request was not originally selected from over 40 applications, a second review of the applications by a South Dakota Salutes team identified this as a request that we wanted to support.
The New Underwood VFD applied for a grant for two thermal imaging cameras through a program offered by the Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota. Although that grant request was not originally selected from over 40 applications, a second review of the applications by a South Dakota Salutes team identified this as a request that we wanted to support.
The New Underwood VFD applied for a grant for two thermal imaging cameras through a program offered by the Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota. Although that grant request was not originally selected from over 40 applications, a second review of the applications by a South Dakota Salutes team identified this as a request that we wanted to support.
The New Underwood VFD applied for a grant for two thermal imaging cameras through a program offered by the Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota. Although that grant request was not originally selected from over 40 applications, a second review of the applications by a South Dakota Salutes team identified this as a request that we wanted to support.
View New Underwood Gallery >
The New Underwood VFD applied for a grant for two thermal imaging cameras through a program offered by the Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota. Although that grant request was not originally selected from over 40 applications, a second review of the applications by a South Dakota Salutes team identified this as a request that we wanted to support.
From their application:
"We currently do not have any thermal imaging equipment but have found by using such items with our neighboring departments that it lessens the time searching for individuals who are trapped in environments that are Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH), namely structure fires."
The grant from South Dakota Salutes is not sufficient to purchase a new thermal imaging camera, but the resourceful staff were able to locate and purchase a used/refurbished unit which they happily demonstrated on our visit.
Lennox Volunteer Fire Department | East River
Congratulations to the Lennox Volunteer Fire Department on receiving the first combined grant from the Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota in partnership with the new South Dakota Salutes Special Needs Fund.
Congratulations to the Lennox Volunteer Fire Department on receiving the first combined grant from the Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota in partnership with the new South Dakota Salutes Special Needs Fund.
Congratulations to the Lennox Volunteer Fire Department on receiving the first combined grant from the Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota in partnership with the new South Dakota Salutes Special Needs Fund.
Congratulations to the Lennox Volunteer Fire Department on receiving the first combined grant from the Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota in partnership with the new South Dakota Salutes Special Needs Fund.
View Lennox Gallery >
Congratulations to the Lennox Volunteer Fire Department on receiving the first combined grant from the Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota in partnership with the new South Dakota Salutes Special Needs Fund.
Over 40 departments across South Dakota applied for the grants; Lennox was selected based on their compelling request for new SCBAs to replace the aging units they have been using.