According to a report from Rapid City Journal, the Sturgis (SD) Volunteer Fire Department (SVFD) has taken receipt of a brand-new 1,000-gallon capacity pumper donated to them by Rosenbauer, a corporate sponsor of this week’s upcoming, world-famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The pumper is valued at between $650,000-$700,000.
The SVFD plans to use the pumper to replace two aging trucks currently in its fleet: a rescue truck and Engine 4.
SVFD Chief Scott Lensegrav said he has been working toward a sponsorship with Rosenbauer for the past couple of years. The apparatus company operates a facility that outfits fire apparatus near Sioux Falls. He stated in 2021’s annual report that the trucks have exceeded or are near their operational life expectancy of 25 years.
In addition to the cost in savings, the SVFD now one apparatus to do the jobs of two also saves on staffing requirements.
Lensegrav said the new pumper will now allow the department to do everything from aid people stranded on hillsides to vehicle extrication to fighting structure fires.
Brian Gaalswyk of Heiman Fire Equipment, a Rosenbauer dealer, said the company prefers making a direct donations to departments. He continued, saying that Rosenbauer is using their presence at the rally to support all the departments in the Black Hills as well as to meet firefighters from across the country who attend the event.
Lensegrav said the new pumper will be on display for the duration of rally week, and will then be rolled out for service early next week.
