Sioux Falls Fire Rescue recognizes the retirement of Captain Ron Harris, who has proudly served the citizens of Sioux Falls for 27 years.

Ron was hired in 1981 and was promoted to the rank of Fire Apparatus Operator in 1994. He was promoted to the rank of Captain in 2003 and has served as one the senior members of the Regional Training Center. Ron has been instrumental in the fire and medical training programs of the organization, and has taught more than 100 new SFFR recruits the job skills needed to survive on the fire ground.

Ron has also helped pioneer the Diversity Committee. He has shared his experiences as one of the few African-American firefighters with SFFR, and his contributions will be greatly missed.

Sioux Falls Fire Rescue will be having Captain Harris’ retirement celebration, and will also be promoting several new officers, on Friday, July 11, 2008, at 2:30 p.m. at Fire Headquarters located at 37th Street and Minnesota Avenue.

The following are new promotions:

• Jon Groen will be promoted to the rank of Division Chief.
• Jay Titus will be promoted to the rank of Battalion Chief.
• Mark Bukovich will be promoted to the rank of Captain.
• Heather Carlson will be promoted to the rank of Captain. She will be the first female Captain on Sioux Falls Fire Rescue. She was hired in 1998 and has been a Fire Apparatus Operator since 2006. Heather was instrumental in developing the Car Safety Seat program and is a certified Car Seat Technician. She is a member of the International Women in Fire & Emergency Services.
• Brad Olson will be promoted to the rank of Captain.
• Nick Luther will be promoted to the rank of Fire Apparatus Operator.
• Matt McAreavy will be promoted to the rank of Fire Apparatus Operator.
• Doug Swartz will be promoted to the rank of Fire Apparatus Operator.

For more information, contact Division Chief Jim Sideras at 605-201-0798.