The City of Watertown is proud to host the 138th Annual State Fire School from June 13 to 15, 2024. This event, organized by the South Dakota Firefighters Association (SDFA), will bring over 500 firefighters and EMS personnel from across the state to our community for three days of intensive training.
State Fire School is an annual event designed to provide education for firefighters. It offers a variety of classes from topics ranging from gas leak management, pump operations, public education on fire safety, and more. The school focuses on hands-on training with real-world exercises like live fire scenarios and vehicle extrication.
Don Rowland, Watertown Rescue Fire Chief, shared his excitement for the upcoming event: "On behalf of the City of Watertown and Watertown Fire Rescue, I want to warmly welcome the firefighters and their families to the 138th Annual State Fire School next week. We are honored to host this incredible educational opportunity at Lake Area Technical College and the Watertown Fire Rescue Regional Training Center. With over 75 fire departments in South Dakota relying primarily on volunteers, these men and women serve their communities selflessly and with great professionalism. We are humbled to have you all join us."
Last year, Watertown had the privilege of hosting the event with more than 550 registered firefighters attending classes. This year promises to be even larger, with more students enrolled in high-level classes. In addition, the water fights were a highlight on Thursday night, drawing many firefighter teams, and will be featured again this year along with live music at Foundation Park in downtown Watertown.
Hosting the State Fire School is a significant honor for Watertown. Local businesses, from restaurants to hotels, enjoy a boost as they welcome visitors from across the state. The influx of attendees creates a vibrant atmosphere, showcasing Watertown's hospitality. Hosting the State Fire School highlights our city as a hub for fire education while also bringing significant benefits to our community. This event demonstrates Watertown’s dedication to supporting our state's committed fire and emergency services professionals.
For more information about the 138th Annual State Fire School, please visit sdfirefighters.org/.