DON’T GET CAUGHT leaving the fair with an expired license! You can renew, replace or transfer your SD driver’s license in the DPS booth at the State Fair THIS SATURDAY! Visit SD.gov/DPS and click the Driver Licensing tab for a list of necessary documents you’ll need.

Visit the DPS booth today and test your hand at calibrating scales with the Weights & Measures agency, or learn some great fire safety tips from the State Fire Marshal’s office and best of all, pick up some free stuff to help you remember your visit! Find us in the Expo Center!

Visit the DPS booth on Sunday in the Expo Center at the State Fair. SD Wildland Fire has fun activities for kids, like making your own stick puppet, taking a photo with Smokey the Bear, and entering to win a collapsible bucket filled with a Lookout Cookbook and an SDWF hot pad!

Have a safe and happy Labor Day!

Congratulations to SD Fire Marshal Paul Merriman on 35 years of service to South Dakota! DPS senior staff and agency directors congratulated Paul this morning in Pierre. DPS Sec. Bob Perry (center left) presents Paul with a 35-year recognition pin for his achievement.

We’re hiring a State Fire Marshal! Lead fire prevention efforts, enforce codes, manage investigations, and represent SD nationally. Applicants must have strong leadership skills, 24/7 availability, and fire service knowledge. Learn more and apply at: shorturl.at/QUn6D.

In honor of Patriot Day 2025, twelve members of SDWF's Black Hat and Bear Mountain hand crews held a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb in Rapid City. They each climbed roughly 8,000 steps in honor of the 343 FDNY firefighters killed on 9/11, and all others who lost their lives that day.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office is looking for a detail-oriented Program Assistant to support critical fire safety and regulatory programs across South Dakota. If you're organized, proactive, and passionate about public safety, we want to hear from you! fx1w.short.gy/cDPe9z

September is National Safety Preparedness Month! Are you ready for the unexpected? From natural disasters to power outages, being prepared can save lives. #keepSDsafe

Jason Bauder (L) was awarded Emergency Manager of the Year at the South Dakota Emergency Managers Association annual conference last week. OEM’s Recovery team received an award for innovation for their work with Crisis Track. Congratulations to each of you!

The Dept. of Public Safety is looking for a full time Driver License Examiner to work in the Rapid City area. Paid training and benefits start on day one! Learn more about this position here: tinyurl.com/34subuex

17 SD Wildland Firefighters are helping battle the 5,000+ acre Labor Mountain Fire in northern Washington state. SDWF personnel are creating fire lines and working with aircraft to prevent fire spread to south and east. The lightning fire began Sep 1 and less than 10% contained.

Due to all the rain we have been receiving around the state, some counties are reporting flooded county roads. If you come to water over a road, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!” You never know if part of the roadway is missing or if the roadway is intact. #keepSDsafe

Hectic doesn’t describe trying to prepare DURING a disaster! Being prepared BEFORE a disaster is important so you are less likely to forget things. #keepSDsafe by being prepared.

SDWF handcrew cutting fireline at a recent Black Hills fire. First person breaks ground-moves forward, next person scrapes deeper-moves forward, etc until line is cut. Often rugged, rocky, lots of roots. Not glamorous, but fire after fire, they get it done helping #keepSDsafe.

When evacuating, most don’t want to abandon family pictures. If this is you, take some time NOW and use your smart phone to copy your favorite albums or scan your pictures and save them on your phone, cloud, USB, or an external hard drive. They're easily printed again later.

Congrats to Kristi Turman, Deputy Secretary, Dept. of Public Safety, for 30 years of service in SD State government! Kristi received her 30-year pin from DPS Sec. Perry today. Congratulations on your achievement and for keeping SD a safe place to live, work and raise a family!

Fire danger in western SD is forecast to increase dramatically today (Fri 9.26.25). Map shows counties with HIGH to VERY HIGH fire danger today. Dry fuels, warm temps and gusty afternoon winds. Use caution not to cause a spark outside during this time. If you see a fire call 911.