Johnson Siding Volunteer Fire Department

10/05/2026

For a long time there has been talk about putting in an electronic sign to help communicate important messages to residents of our district. Recently, Chief Smart was given an assignment by the district board of obtaining estimates to get electricity to the location, and he started making phone calls. The results were a bit discouraging until he contacted Heavy Constructors, a division of Gustafson Builders and Excavating Specialists. They heard our need, and expressed an interest in the project. The cost? No Charge.

It seems we were chosen to be the beneficiary of their generosity and civic-mindedness. They graciously decided to donate the time, equipment, and skilled operators to bore under the asphalt at Station #2, and provide a conduit for electrical service so our project could get started. Their commitment to their community is just another example of what makes western South Dakota a great place to live.

We're happy to have taken this first, large step to make this improvement for our district and residents, and very happy that we found a local company that believes as we do that in order to be a part of something, you also have to give back.

Thank you Heavy Constructors, Inc. for a Job Well Done.

👨‍🚒 Be Smart and Be Safe! 🇺🇸

10/04/2026

We're super excited about this new addition to JSFD Rescue 7. If you remember the video tour we published back in August, we mentioned there were plans for this empty compartment....
We love it when a plan comes together.

It may not look like much, but the red tank on the right and green hose reel on the left, combined with the large, yellow air bottle above, converts this apparatus from a Dry Rescue to a Wet Rescue.
That little red tank holds only 30 gallons of water and a few ounces of firefighting foam concentrate. It may not sound like much, but when combined with the compressed air at 150 psi, it becomes 600 gallons of finished foam, which is more than enough to extinguish a significant fire.
We hope to capture some video to share with you at an upcoming training exercise, so stay tuned!

We also want to give a big thank you to Ed Harty of Harty Mobile Repair for getting it placed precisely where and how we wanted it. It takes a village, and we appreciate those that contribute to our vision. Thank you Ed! Rescue 7 is one step closer to completion by your capable assistance.
Strong Work, Sir.

👨‍🚒 Be Smart and Be Safe! 🇺🇸

10/02/2026

Our calls for service in September were closer to, but still above average at 17 separate incidents. (Technically it was more when you consider three days of operations in Spearfish at the Lookout Fire. Each operational period required it's own report and Run number, but we're not counting the extra two days here.)

The 17 incidents consisted of;
3 fires (2 were Mutual Aid)
2 Motor Vehicle Accidents
2 Service Calls (including a cat in a tree)
10 Medical Calls

For the record, we love animals. Many of your volunteers have pets of their own! Having said that, we don't typically attempt to fulfill the stereotype of rescuing cats from trees. Cats are smart, and extremely independent. They make their own rules, choose their own owners, and typically will not be forced to do something they consider beneath their self-defined dignity. They are agile, quick, masters of stealth, and have reflexes faster than a snake. They have sharp teeth and strong jaws. They are one of nature's apex predators that happen to be contained in a cute, cuddly package. Want to be humbled? Try picking up a cat that doesn't want to be held.
The truth is that if some unknown, yellow-clad goon attempted to force a cat out of a tree, both would most-likely be injured, not to mention humiliated. Seriously, we feel bad, but the cat will decide to do what it wants, when it wants, and we recognize our own limitations. Trust the cat.

👨‍🚒 Be Smart and Be Safe! 🇺🇸

10/02/2026

If you want one last outing at Pactola, you better get after it this weekend.

👨‍🚒 Be Smart and Be Safe! 🇺🇸

Temporary Closure for Pactola North Boat Ramp Begins October 5

For everyone’s safety, the Black Hills National Forest will temporarily close the Pactola North Boat Ramp beginning October 5, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. The closure will remain in effect until January 31, 2027, at 11:59 p.m., unless lifted earlier.

Construction crews will be working throughout the area, and the closure is necessary to prevent injury or harm to visitors while heavy equipment and active work zones are present. Forest Service staff have already been educating visitors about the hazards, but a full closure is required to ensure public safety.

Signs and maps will be posted near the campground and trail during the closure.

The Forest is committed to reopening the area as soon as construction is complete.

For more information, please contact the Black Hills National Forest at (605) 673 9200 or visit:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/blackhills

10/01/2026

October 1st is National Fire Pup Day!

It is celebrated annually to honor the brave and loyal canines that have served, or are currently serving, alongside your firefighters throughout America.

In the Carriage Era (1700s–1800s), Dalmatians ran alongside horse-drawn fire carriages. Their role included calming the horses, clearing paths, and guarding fire equipment.
Today's K9 Units are active members of public safety teams using their keen sense of smell to aid in arson detection and search and rescue or recovery operations. They also provide therapy and crisis response to comfort victims and reduce stress for first responders. Dalmatians and other breeds remain cherished symbols of the fire service, and often participate in public education programs to teach children about fire safety.

While our station mascot may not be as warm and cuddly as the real thing, he still serves as a reminder about our history and heritage, our duty, and our commitment to our community. Please join us in celebrating the contributions they have made in the past, and their continued service to communities everywhere.

👨‍🚒 Be Smart and Be Safe! 🇺🇸

09/30/2026

September is shaping up to end nearly as busy as July and August with five call-outs so far in the final three days of the month, and today has only begun.
Monday, JSFD had two medical calls in addition to tasking Rescue 8 with search duty in Meade County. Tuesday night ended with another medical call, and Wednesday began with a motorcycle vs. deer collision before the morning coffee was gone.
We sure do appreciate the RCFD Medics that we have the opportunity to work with. Our patient was evaluated by them, but declined ambulance transport; instead, contacting someone for a ride to seek treatment for non-life threatening injuries. The deer did not survive.
We also want to mention the morning commuters that slowed down and respected our scene this morning. Thank you for giving us a safe space in which to work. We appreciate you, and hope you all have a great rest of your day!

👨‍🚒 Be Smart and Be Safe! 🇺🇸

Pictured: Rescue 7 and RCFD Medic 5

Rapid City Fire Department
Pennington County 911

09/28/2026

**** UPDATE FROM MCSO ****

09.28.2026
Meade County South Dakota

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 28, 2026
Meade County, South Dakota
Missing Meade County Man Located Safe

Daniel Carda, 83, was located safe on September 28 following an extensive search involving more than 70 people. Carda had been missing from his residence near Meadow Retreat Road since approximately 6:30 p.m. on September 27. He was transported to a hospital for evaluation.

Search teams worked on the ground throughout the night and continued their efforts today. Ground searchers ultimately located Carda. Their work was supported by a unified command center and aerial resources, including Black Hills Life Flight helicopters, the SD Highway Patrol Aviation Unit, Civil Air Patrol, and drones operated by multiple agencies.

“This is a testament to interagency cooperation and the talents of those working in the unified command center,” said Sheriff Pat West. “The way our agencies worked together to bring this critical incident to a successful resolution is a clear example of the professionals we have in our region. We are truly lucky to have this team!”

The Meade County Sheriff’s Office thanks the following agencies for their assistance:
Black Hawk Fire Department
Piedmont Fire Department
Sturgis Fire Department
Spearfish Fire Department
Johnson Siding Fire Department
Rapid Valley Fire Department
North Haines Fire Department
Whitewood Fire Department
Rapid City Fire Department
Pennington County Search and Rescue
Custer County Search and Rescue
Lawrence County Search and Rescue
South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation
South Dakota Highway Patrol
South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks
South Dakota Wildland Fire
Civil Air Patrol
Pennington County 911

We also thank the residents who checked their properties and shared information during the search.

**** Original Post below ****
JSFD is participating in the search for a missing man in the Piedmont Valley area. Rescue 8 with a two-person crew is among the many resources on-scene.

From the Meade County Sheriff's Office:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 28, 2026
Meade County, South Dakota

Search Continues for Missing Meade County Man

The Meade County Sheriff’s Office and assisting agencies are continuing the search for Daniel Carda, 83, who was last seen at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 27, near his residence in the 5400 block of Meadow Retreat Road in rural Black Hawk. He was last observed heading toward Erickson Ranch Road, but his direction of travel after that is unknown.

Carda has cognitive decline and was not dressed for the cold, wet conditions when he was last seen. Emergency responders searched the area overnight, including nearby outbuildings and other structures, but have not located him. Rain has made tracking difficult. Crews expect to use drones and other search methods today as conditions allow.

Residents near Meadow Retreat Road and Erickson Ranch Road are asked to check their shops, sheds, outbuildings, and other places where someone might have sought shelter. Anyone who sees Carda or has information about his whereabouts should call 911 immediately.

The Black Hawk and Piedmont Volunteer Fire Departments, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and Pennington County Search and Rescue are assisting in the search.
The Sheriff’s Office will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

09/26/2026

In the fire service we focus a lot of attention asking ourselves "What if?" After the chimney fire last Monday, we spent some time asking "What if?" as it pertained to that property and location. What if the structure had been more involved? What if we had needed to strike a 2nd Alarm? Where would/should have the various apparatus been placed? How would we have handled water support operations? Traffic on the adjacent highway? Coordination with Law Enforcement? Rehab?
Often during an actual emergency these decisions are made on the fly based on experience and circumstances. During the after-action review we study what we did, and if it could have been done differently.
Today's training was an opportunity to use that scenario and put into action how we would have most likely attacked that situation. Our attention was focused on the operational aspect outside more than actually fighting the fire.
Engine 3-3 acted as RCFD Engine 5 and was first on-scene. Tender 1-4 was forced to supply not only JSFD Engine 1-2, but also the mutual aid apparatus. Engine 3-9 acted as a Tender from another agency bringing water to Tender 1-4 through LDH (Large Diameter Hose).
These types of exercises allow us to practice not only our skills, but also solve the inevitable challenges that arise, and prepare ourselves mentally to attack different scenarios efficiently and effectively.
We appreciate everyone that was able to participate in today's exercise, and we really appreciate all of you that support your fire department. We hope you enjoy your weekend!

👨‍🚒 Be Smart and Be Safe! 🇺🇸