FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Contact: Tony Mangan, Department of Public Safety, 773-6196

South Dakota State Fire School This Weekend in Pierre

PIERRE, S.D. – An estimated 400 South Dakota firefighters are expected to attend the annual state Fire School being held this weekend in Pierre.

The yearly event starts Thursday and runs through Saturday. The school is hosted by the Pierre Volunteer Fire Department with the assistance of the South Dakota Firefighters Association, the South Dakota Firefighters Auxiliary and the South Dakota State Fire Marshal's Office.   

“This is one of the biggest events of the year for firefighters,” says Fire Marshal Paul Merriman. “This is a chance to attend 26 different classes ranging from firefighter tactics and strategies to department leadership and everything in between. There also will be other special events like a trade show and parade.”

The school officially begins Thursday night with an opening ceremony at 7 p.m. in the Pierre Riggs High School Theatre. Guest speakers include Gov. Dennis Daugaard and Fire Chief Richard B. Gasaway, who is a resident faculty member for the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program. A memorial service will follow the opening ceremonies.

Classes are Friday and Saturday at the high school. For a complete schedule of events, click onto http://www.sdfirefighters.org/pdf/2015SOE.pdf

The state Fire Marshal’s Office is part of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.

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