RAPID CITY, SD – With over a million people expected in the Black Hills for the Sturgis Rally, the South Dakota Task Force 1 (SDTF-1) will gather to train in Rapid City – just in case their expertise is needed on scene.
Tessa Jaeger, public information officer for the Rapid City Fire Department, said the task force training in tandem with the Sturgis Rally is not coincidental.
“They come during the rally specifically to train. We pick that week just so we have that extra personnel to pull from if there is a large incident. We also have an extra ambulance crew as well, so we’re prepared.
Jaeger said the inter-agency team brings skills from each corner of South Dakota.
“It’s made up of the Rapid City Fire Department, and fire rescue units from Sioux Falls, Aberdeen and Waterown. They respond to explosive and chemical threats, specialized rescue techniques in structural collapse, swift water, confined space, and rope rescues. They do it all really. It’s really neat to see them in action when they are training.”
She added, “They can respond to anything. A couple years ago we had set up a car – sideways – on a tower. They had to come at it from a top angle, using ropes and retrieve victims. They are trained for unusual incidents.”
Training for SDTF-1 will take place at Pactola Reservoir next Thursday (Aug. 12) and can be viewed by the public from a safe distance.
