Thoughts From the Tailboard
Have you noticed the main topic, and sometimes the only topic of conversation is the weather? Whether you like the warm dry conditions or not, that’s the hand we are dealing with. No area is immune from it. We keep hoping for moisture, but at the same time we all expect to wake up, look out the window, and see four feet of snow and 30 mph winds.
Our neighbors to the south have had what has got to be the most devastating months. Nearly three quarters of a million acres burned. I’m sure many of the hundreds of fire departments will have a tough time paying for repairs, fuel and all the other expenses. For the ranchers and farmers that lost pasture and livestock my heart goes out to them. Sometimes when a rancher has a fire and loses pasture a neighbor will help him out. But what do you do when all you can see for miles is black? Keep everyone in your prayers and thoughts. They can use all the help.
In the past month, the Black Hills has had its share of fires too. Nothing like Nebraska thankfully but keeping all of us on our toes. Several east river fire departments have been out here or currently are and we thank you for coming to help us.
Now for a personal thought. Ok, I’m not going to say I’m old, but I have collected more than one social security check. Enough said. So, when the Coyote Flats Fire kicked off I of course jumped on a truck along with other North Haines Firefighters and we went to pitch in. I must admit it took me at least two days, and several Ibuprofen’s, for all my joints, muscles to quit hurting. That made me think about a saying I saw the other day. “My brain says I’m 35; my body says my brain is an idiot.” I’m sure there are many of you out there who would agree. The difficult part is when this firefighting gets in your blood it just does not go away. (Thank goodness it doesn’t).
A change in thoughts. The position of President of the SD Firefighters Association is open this year. Elections will be held at the membership meeting. If you have ever thought of wanting to direct and guide this great organization, now is your chance. If you have a deep desire and willingness to serve, then throw your hat into the ring. There are names and contact info in this issue.
Somewhere in this issue is a notice that the North Haines VFD is having their 50th anniversary in June. I am the last original charter member of the department. I see in the paper that there have been other firefighters around the state who were recognized for their many years of service. To all of you who have dedicated your life to this unpaid profession I tip my helmet to you and say job well done, job well done.
With all this rambling and not really having anything to say, I’ll sign off. Remember to look before you pull into that field or wherever, know what the fire is doing.
Be safe.
Denny Gorton, SDFA Treasurer