We’re highlighting the amazing departments we insure around the country and all they do for their communities. For this department story we interviewed Fire Chief Ian Paul of the Pierre Fire Department in Pierre, South Dakota.
Pierre, South Dakota, holds a unique title: it is the only state capital in the nation protected by an all-volunteer fire department. This isn’t a small-town operation, but a sophisticated response agency that has guarded the city for over 140 years. According to Fire Chief Ian Paul, this distinction is a source of immense pride for the department, marking a legacy of community-driven service that dates back to the city’s founding.
A Legacy in Ink
The Pierre Fire Department (PFD) was established in 1881, back when South Dakota was still eight years away from statehood. The department still holds onto its roots—literally. They possess the original, handwritten documentation of the first recorded fire in the “Village of Pierre” from 1881, an incident at a blacksmith shop located just stones’ throw from where their modern headquarters stands today.
While the ink on those ledgers has aged, the department’s drive has only accelerated. Today, the PFD maintains an impressive Class 3 ISO rating, a testament to the efficiency and professional standards maintained by their volunteer force.
Protecting the Capital and Beyond
Protecting a state capital involves more than just urban fire response. The PFD is a versatile powerhouse, providing:
- Fire Response: Immediate protection for the City of Pierre.
- Rescue Services: Contracted rescue for both Hughes and Stanley Counties.
- Water & Dive Rescue: A specialized squad providing water rescue and recovery services for Hughes, Stanley, and Sully Counties, often extending mutual aid across Central South Dakota.
With four fire stations strategically located throughout the city, the department’s 55 volunteer firefighters are organized into four engine companies and one aerial ladder company. From these units, they also staff specialized rescue and dive squads capable of handling complex technical rescues.
Commitment to the Craft
PFD volunteers respond to approximately 200 calls annually. Every member must become state-certified and commit to a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education each year.
“The volunteers are well-trained,” Chief Paul emphasizes. Whether it’s a structural fire or a technical dive recovery, the team stays “on the top of their game” through rigorous prep and a deep sense of duty to their neighbors.
Community Pillars
You’ll find the PFD at almost every major event in the region. They provide safety services for the Polar Plunge, the Govs Cup Walleye Fishing Tournament, and the “I Swam the Dam” event at Oahe Dam.
Their reach also extends to education. During Fire Prevention Week, the department is conducting school visits and hosting a Department Showcase. They even provide fire education for the state’s Law Enforcement Training Center located right in Pierre.
“Periodically we are faced with traumatic calls, and we are grateful to have this option to seek credible assistance. We want to ensure that our first responders are on the top of their game both physically and mentally!” — Chief Ian Paul
Supporting the Front Line
The mental and physical health of a volunteer force is paramount, especially when handling the high-pressure environment of rescue and recovery. Chief Paul notes that Provident’s First Responder Assistance Program (FRAP) has become an essential resource for his team.
By providing a bridge to professional support after traumatic incidents, the program ensures that the men and women protecting South Dakota’s capital stay resilient, healthy, and ready for the next bell.
To learn more about Pierre Fire Department, visit their website ci.pierre.sd.us and follow them on Facebook here.