Parkston Volunteer Fire Department Buys New Truck With REED Loan

The Rural Electric Economic Development, Inc. (REED) Fund, through Southeastern Electric Cooperative, recently issued a $300,000 loan to the Parkston Volunteer Fire Department to buy a new truck. These funds were sourced through the USDA Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program, which is a program that offers financing options to eligible borrowers at 0%. The total cost of the project was just over $500,000 and will help the fire department respond more effectively to calls.

“The new truck helps us keep up with the times and allows the fire department to perform at its best,” says Greg Weisz, president of the board for the Parkston Volunteer Fire Department. “This purchase allowed us to retire one of our older trucks, leaving us with a newer and older option.”

The Parkston Volunteer Fire Department had previously worked with REED and the cooperative to access the REDLG program to update its fire hall. Once the new fire hall was built, the department could focus on improving the trucks that respond to emergency calls. 

The Fire Department Has 30 Volunteers That Meet Bi-Monthly

The volunteers who support Parkston are certified in Firefighter I and II, CPR, first aid, and the National Incident Management System (NIMS). They meet twice per month for additional training and education. There are multiple father-son duos that volunteer together to support Parkston and the surrounding communities.

Emergency response starts with prevention. The volunteers focus on public education and fire prevention efforts to keep their neighbors safe. In the event of a crisis, volunteers are prepared to respond to calls regarding residential or commercial building fires, agricultural fires, and motor vehicle accidents.

“The new fire truck will allow for quick emergency response in the area,” says Chad Kinsley, Chief Executive Officer at Southeastern Electric Cooperative, Inc. 

Adequate Fire Equipment is Essential to Rural Communities

Minutes matter when a fire sparks or a car crash occurs. In 2024, there were 3,920 civilian fire deaths nationwide and 11,780 injuries. Property damage caused by fires in 2024 alone cost $19 billion.

However, thanks to the response of trained fire teams and other investments in fire safety, these numbers are dropping. The number of total fire incidents in 2024 was 54% lower than in 1980. This also has to do with more people quitting smoking and fewer people starting over the past few decades.

However, fires in rural communities continue to pose significant threats to life and personal finances. It takes firefighters longer to reach rural residents, which can lead to greater property damage. By investing in its Volunteer Fire Department and updating its equipment, the City of Parkston is ready to protect its community.  

“Electric cooperatives and rural fire departments have a lot of similarities,” says Kinsley. “Our cooperative of principles centers around giving back to the community and serving others, just like the volunteer firefighters. Many of our cooperative staff and board members serve as volunteer firefighters.”    

Parkston Offers a Sense of Community to Rural Living 

The population of Parkston, South Dakota, is just over 1,500, and the town is less than 30 minutes from the larger city of Mitchell. Weisz says he enjoys living there because the community is far enough away to sustain its own businesses but still offers close proximity to city amenities when residents need them.

“We’re a community that likes to work together and make itself better,” he explains.  

The Parkston Amphitheater is a favorite destination for locals year-round. Its “AmphiThursdays” events are free to the public and feature popular bands, beer tents, and local food trucks. Local businesses volunteer to work the beer tents so everyone can have a good time.

“Parkston is a thriving, progressive town with a great sense of community,” says Kinsley. “There are a lot of people who give back, serve others, and want a safe, friendly place to raise a family.”

 Learn More About Projects by the REED Fund

REED Fund loans cover a variety of projects across its member cooperative service areas. Last year, the Fund supported the Parkston Business Park Development, which turned a 42-acre parcel into an 11-lot business park. It has also helped other communities invest in first responder resources, including a new fire truck in Delmont and a fire hall in Garden City.

Learn more about the types of loans covered by the REED Fund and consider whether your project would be covered. You can always reach out to our team to discuss your project and learn about your options. Contact us today.