PIERRE — Gov. Kristi Noem signed HB1127 during the 2023 legislative session approving a new grant program to support local volunteer fire departments purchase $5.0 million of personal protective equipment.

The Department of Public Safety, in partnership with the South Dakota Firefighters Association, create the grant program to support local VFDs. DPS recently delivered a progress report to the Legislature’s interim committee on appropriations announcing 116 VFDs thus far have received $2.27 million in grant funding as additional VFDs continue to submit their requests.

Over 250 volunteer fire departments were approved for funding from the new grant program. Awards ranged from $720 to $40,500 depending on the applications and need.

Leola Fire Chief Karl Moser spoke on behalf of his department. “We needed to upgrade our PPE to keep our firefighters safe. We just didn’t have the funds to do it,” he said. “I’d like to thank our elected officials and the governor for making this grant possible.”

PPE includes items such as bunker gear, boots, gloves, helmets, and self-contained breathing apparatus. The grant program was administered by the South Dakota Firefighters Association and the State Fire Marshal’s Office.