Thoughts from the Tailboard
It’s a wrap!!!! Isn’t that what they say when they have finished a movie? Just finished the 140th South Dakota State Fire School. Holy cow. 140 years of fire schools. I believe there were only two times a fire school wasn’t held. I believe once during World War II and once during COVID. I know sometimes those darn young whipper snappers ask if I was there for the first one. Just to set the record straight, no I wasn’t.
This year’s fire school had another milestone. At least it was a bittersweet milestone for me. I have been on the Board in one capacity or another for 32 years. President, Past-president, Secretary and Treasurer. Over those 32 years I have worked with many great individuals. Some have since passed away, others I still get the honor and privilege of visiting with. As I look back on those years, I see where we were and where we are now. Talk about a giant leap into the future, hang on and see what’s coming down the road. I don’t know where to begin to thank for allowing me to be a part of this absolutely fantastic organization. The direction the Board is heading in is only going to take the Association even higher. This is important as then the firefighters of South Dakota will benefit also from better training opportunities. This is all good. What a bright future the fire service of South Dakota has in front of it. Take advantage of it.
The other day on a U-Tube something, I watched country singer Eric Church give a commence address at North Carolina State. He related their life ahead of them to the six strings on a guitar. How each string worked with the others to make music or if one string was out of “tune” it was not good. It was very good, maybe google it and see if you can find it. Made me think about firefighters. I related it to the fire service and how for a fire department to make “beautiful music” all the strings have to work together. Sorta like a ladder. How each rung works with the other rungs to make a useful tool, or maybe a useful life. It was about five or six minutes so just take a shot and see if you can find it.
It never fails, as soon as one training session is over, a person starts thinking about the next. So here goes, don’t forget the annal fall conference planned for the first weekend in October in Rapid City. You will be seeing a lot more info on what will be offered, but knowing the Board and the instructors, it will be well worth your time.
As I wrap up this month’s article, once again Nebraska is getting their butts kicked. This time it is near Crawford and Fort Robinson. Crawford is my hometown, so I have been watching the events very closely. Again, my thoughts are with the firefighters and all the residents. They are getting a handle on it, but still.
With that I’ll close for now, be safe, and hug your loved ones, they and you need it.
Denny Gorton