Certification milestone posted

Mission Fire & Rescue in Mission, South Dakota said on April 7 that six members cleared the practical skills test, which is the last testing step before they can be formally issued South Dakota firefighter certification after a few remaining administrative items. The department named Deputy Chief Smith, Lieutenants Cordier and Elk Looks Back, and recruits Leading Fighter, Lucas, Moore, and Smith as the members who passed. (kvsh.com) This was not a one-night class. Mission Fire & Rescue said the certified firefighter course started in October 2025, ran weekly, and wrapped up in February 2026 before the April 7 skills test. (kvsh.com) South Dakota treats this course as the basic foundation of fire service training. The state Department of Public Safety says the entry-level program is estimated at 80 hours of instruction plus 40 hours of performance competencies. (sd.gov) The state does not certify people on a single written quiz alone. South Dakota’s syllabus says candidates have to pass Fire Fighter One and Fire Fighter Two written tests and then complete a state practical skills evaluation before certification is allowed. (sd.gov) That practical test is built to look like the job. South Dakota’s testing packet says candidates wear full protective gear under simulated fireground conditions and must already be at least 18 years old, finished their training card requirements, and passed both written units before they can even test. (sd.gov) Mission Fire & Rescue said its April 7 exam was proctored by Deputy State Fire Marshal Mike Jones. The department said the stations included putting on personal protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus, setting up a water supply, raising ground ladders, and hoisting tools. (kvsh.com) The weekly class covered more than hose work. Mission Fire & Rescue said students trained in structural firefighting, victim search and rescue, vehicle extrication, hazardous materials response, and first aid. (kvsh.com) That list lines up with what the department says it actually does in town. Mission Fire & Rescue’s website says the volunteer department responds to structure fires, wildland fires, motor vehicle extrication calls, rescues, and hazardous materials incidents from its station at 145 2nd Street in Mission. (missionfirerescue.org) So the update from Mission is less about a ceremony than a staffing pipeline. A volunteer department that runs fire, rescue, and hazardous materials calls now has another group that has finished the state’s written-and-skills gauntlet and is waiting on the final paperwork to be certified. (kvsh.com)