South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Secretary Kevin Robling, center-left, and Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden, center-right, honor conservation officers on July 12, 2024, at Good Earth State Park for rescuing dozens of people from June floods in the southeastern part of the state. (Courtesy of GF&P)
State officials honored South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks conservation officers Friday for responding to over 30 rescue calls and saving about 60 people from flooding last month in the southeastern part of the state.
“Many of the individuals who were rescued from rising floodwaters were quite literally pulled from dangerous situations,” said GF&P Secretary Kevin Robling.
The officers were recognized during a GF&P Commission meeting at Good Earth State Park near Sioux Falls. Conservation officers, formerly known as game wardens, are typically tasked with enforcing hunting and fishing laws and regulations.
The flood was triggered by three days of historically heavy rain across southeast South Dakota, northwest Iowa and southwest Minnesota. The downpour caused the Big Sioux River to crest at a record 44.98 feet in North Sioux City.
The deluge flooded many roads and basements across a large area and destroyed about 30 homes in the community of McCook Lake.
Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden lauded the officers’ actions.
“South Dakota is a special place, and we have a lot of special people,” Rhoden said. “And at the top of that list are the people that will put themselves in harm’s way to defend others.”
GF&P employees honored
The list of employees honored for their actions during flooding:
- Trey Kelderman
- Dan Altman
- Matt Talbert
- Craig Fishel
- Justin Harman
- Jared Hill
- Christopher Schiera
- Tony Stokely
- Taylor Etherington
- Tanner Pietz
- Alex Osborn
- Dylan Urban
- Shane Pedersen
- Jeremy Roe
- Taylor Kirchner
- Don Allaway
- Josh Vanden Bosch
— Source: Department of Game, Fish and Parks
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