Fire chief
November 5th, 2009 by 
Alica
The Brandon Volunteer Fire Department has a new chief, Robert Dykstra. He earns his income as a Sioux Falls firefighter, but for Brandon, he is a volunteer chief.
Do you think Brandon should have a paid chief? Some might say that it’s too much to ask a person who has a full-time job to take on the responsibilities of chief, especially if that person’s full-time job is in Sioux Falls. Others might say that the fire department seems to be doing fine, so why fix it if it ain’t broke.
What are your thoughts? If you believe a volunteer chief is fine, then under what conditions would you think a paid chief is necessary?
Posted in Uncategorized | 
November 5th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
I don’t know much about him, but I hope he does fine.
November 9th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
Congrats Robert Brandon is lucky to have you.
November 12th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
We don’t need a f/t chief, yet.
November 12th, 2009 at 7:23 pm
What is your reasoning behind that, Gordy?
November 13th, 2009 at 9:40 am
I think Gordy didn’t sleep too well the night before, so he is feeling grumpy.
November 16th, 2009 at 9:48 pm
Welcome Robert! We’re glad to have you!! Now if the city can get it’s crap together and hire you FT!!
November 16th, 2009 at 10:38 pm
Alica, my reasoning is kind of a long story. As a former volunteer firefighter for a few years in a prior town of residence, I got a little glimpse of the firefighting business. A person can’t say enough good about the people who volunteer countless hours not just fighting hazards, but training, maintaining gear, and running the organization. We used to joke that we were the only city department that not only was staffed fully by volunteers; but that we were also the only department that had to hold bake-sales to fund our operations.
November 23rd, 2009 at 6:59 pm
to KSays, the city does not own the fire Dept. They are a non profit organization that is separate from the city. They have a contract with the city to provide fire and ems services.
Paid chief: I don’t think Brandon has enough calls at this point to warrant a paid position. Welcome Robert!!!! About time you took the chief position!
November 23rd, 2009 at 9:37 pm
To #8: How many calls a year would the fire department have to have before you think it warrants a paid chief?
You’d go by how many calls the department has per year rather than the population of the city?
I’m just curious. Thanks.
November 30th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
More jobs/responsibilities would need to be added to the chief position. Such as, inspections, fire codes. I don’t believe the fire dept has the $ to be paying a chief. The duties are divided by having assistants, and good training for all members. It is a very high percentage across the nation that has volunteer fire departments, especially in S Dakota