BROOKINGS – Fire stations in Brookings will glow red this week in memory of fallen firefighters and as a call to remember the safety of those still on the job, according to Fire Chief Darrell Hartmann.
Fighting fires and other disasters can be dangerous, and many firefighters over the years have given their lives while on the job. Oct 1-7 is set aside by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to remember them and help those currently serving.
Hartmann said the East Station and South Main Fire Station will be lit “to remember those fallen and promote firefighter safety, health and wellness.”
Anyone who wants to take part is asked to light up a building or house in red.
Hartmann said it could be as easy as replacing a door light with a red bulb and leaving it burning.
“Real simple,” he said. “Red lights, whatever would work.”
It’s especially important now, he said.
South Dakota has suffered recent in-the-line-of-duty losses, including Presho Fire Chief Donny Manger, who died of a medical condition while fighting a structure fire in October 2017, and Sturgis Assistant Chief David Fischer, who died in a house fire last month when a propane tank exploded.
“Just shows support for our firefighters,” Hartmann said.
Contact Jodelle Greiner at jgreiner@brookingsregister.com.
