Custer County Sheriff

09/18/2026

CUSTER COUNTY COMMISSION PRESS RELEASE
COUNTY BURN BAN RESCINDED
September 18, 2026
The Custer County Commission Chair has authorized rescinding the Countywide Burn Ban at 8:00 AM on September 19, 2026.
The US Forest Service Stage 2 restrictions are still currently in place.
Despite the lifting of the burn ban, all existing South Dakota Wildland Fire regulations remain fully in effect. This includes restrictions governing the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District and provisions outlined in County Ordinance 20. Residents are reminded that burn permits for slash/burn piles have been invalid for some time and will not be reinstated until at least November.
The Commission emphasizes that it retains the authority to reinstate a countywide burn ban at any time should conditions deteriorate, particularly upon recommendation from fire officials and partner agencies.
Finally, the public is reminded that individuals who start fires are legally responsible for any resulting damage. Residents and visitors are strongly encouraged to educate themselves and strictly adhere to all applicable laws, regulations, and safety precautions before engaging in any activity that could ignite a fire.
The Commission appreciates the community’s continued cooperation and commitment to wildfire prevention. Protecting our forests, property, and neighbors is a shared responsibility.

09/18/2026

Don't forget to join us down at S&B Friday for our Show & Shine fundraiser for Custer County Search and Rescue!

09/16/2026

We’ve had several people reach out asking how they can help Agent Kjerstad’s family during this difficult time. Physical donations can be sent or delivered to Oahe Federal Credit Union, 221 E Pleasant Dr, Pierre, SD 57501 designated under Quincy Kjerstad Family , or through the DCI Agent’s Association non-profit Venmo account. One hundred percent of the donations received will be given directly to Agent Kjerstad’s family.

09/16/2026

SA Kjerstad assisted our office many times throughout his career. He was not only a good investigator and attorney, he was truly a good person.

We wish the men and women of DCI, as well as SA Kjerstad's family, peace and comfort during this time of sorrow.

09/11/2026

Tonight Custer County SD Search & Rescue Director Sam Smolnisky was driving with his family when they noticed a fire and quickly identified that it was on top of an RV at a local campground. Director Smolnisky jumped into action calling 911 and driving into the campground honking, then banging on the camper. The two owners inside the RV luckily heard the knocking and got out of the camper. Director Smolnisky, along with other campground guests, grabbed hoses and began to spray the RV both inside and out and were able to get the fire out. It was learned that the occupants of the RV had no knowledge of the fire prior to Director Smolnisky's actions.

Director Smolnisky embodies the values, work ethic, and culture of the Custer County Sheriff's Office and Custer County Search and Rescue. I want to personally thank him for his quick actions that not only prevented a larger fire but very possibly saved lives tonight.

-Sheriff Derrick Reifenrath

09/11/2026

The majority of Custer County is in a red flag warning from 11am to 7pm tomorrow. Despite what the green grass in your yard is telling you, it's still extremely dry out there. Please use caution with anything that could cause a spark and abide by the fire ban.

https://inws.ncep.noaa.gov/a/a.php?i=134172942

09/03/2026

**update**. The fire has been contained. Please continue to avoid the area while crews mop up over the next 12 hours. **Update**

There is a fire burning east of Red Valley Rd. Local, state, federal and air assets are working on the fire. Please avoid the area especially with drones.

09/02/2026

Sgt Steele recently completed Command Leadership. CLI is one of a three part series of courses by FBI-LEEDA to mold strong, legal and ethical Law Enforcement Supervisors.

We are proud to recognize the law enforcement professionals representing 10 agencies who came together in Box Elder, South Dakota, for the Command Leadership Institute (CLI). The class shared a productive week of discussion, insight, and collaboration centered on command-level leadership principles.

A special thank you to Police Chief Robert Connell and the Box Elder Police Department for hosting the course, with additional appreciation to Lieutenant Chris Misselt for coordinating the daily logistics.

Instructor Darryl McSwain guided the class through thoughtful discussions and practical exercises throughout the week. Congratulations to every student on completing this important step in your leadership development!

08/24/2026

Every year law enforcement agencies across the country do a semi uniform press release for Labor Day with facts related to drunk driving and this year is no different. I have attached that release. With that all said, I want to bring it closer to everyone and speak about an incident here in Custer County.

On July 1st this year, a little before 6pm, a family of four was traveling down a highway here in Custer County in their SUV. All of a sudden life changed when a blue car crossed over the center line into their lane and slammed into them head on.

The driver of the SUV was rushed to Rapid City in a helicopter while the other three family members were transported by ambulance.

Thankfully, all of the SUV occupants survived but the lingering question of why did they get hit remained. The answer to that question will never be known as the driver, and sole occupant, of the blue car died in the crash.

What we do know is that the driver of the blue car had a Blood Alcohol Content at the time of the crash of .154. Not double, or triple the legal limit as headlines like to boast, but that doesn't matter as the results are the same. A person drove legally intoxicated and changed the lives of an innocent family he never knew as well as his own family.

So, even if you don't care about the legal consequences or your own safety, please think about the innocent family driving down the roadway and find a sober driver.

08/23/2026

🚨🥳WE MADE THE FINAL TWO! 🥳🚨

Words cannot express how incredible, humbled, and grateful we feel right now. Thanks to an overwhelming show of support, Friends of Custer County Search and Rescue has officially made it to the FINAL TWO in the Search and Rescue category of the Land Rover Defender Service Awards!

This entire competition came down to votes, and we are here because of YOU.

To everyone in Custer, across the Black Hills, and around the country who cast a vote every single day, shared our posts, pestered their family and friends, and rallied behind our all-volunteer responder team—this is your victory. You brought us to the top two, and we are honored to serve a community that backs us like this.

What’s Next? ✈️☀️

The final winner of the customized Defender 130 and $30,000 grant package will be officially announced live on stage at the Destination Defender banquet in California on Saturday, September 12th!

We originally asked our longest-serving active team member, Paul Horsted, to represent us at the awards ceremony, but he isn't able to make the trip. So, stepping up on behalf of the entire team, our SECOND longest-serving active member, Jim "Buzz" Laverick, will be flying out to California to represent Custer County Search and Rescue!

No matter what happens in California, standing in the top two out of the incredible Search and Rescue organizations across the entire nation is a massive achievement—and it only happened because of your unwavering dedication.

Thank you, Custer County! Wish us luck as Buzz heads West, and stay tuned for the big announcement on September 12th! 🌲🚑✨