Whitewood, SD – On Sunday morning the Whitewood Fire Station buzzed with the aroma of fresh coffee and hot griddles as volunteer firefighters swapped turnout gear for aprons to host their sixth annual breakfast feed. The event, now a beloved tradition, brings together residents and first responders over plates piled high with scrambled eggs, sausage links, pancakes and, for the first time, homemade biscuits and gravy.

Giving Back and Building a Firefighter Family

Fire Chief DJ Werlinger said the breakfast feed is primarily a way to thank the community that supports the department year‑round. “The community helps us out just as much as we help them out,” Werlinger explained. “We do this for them to tell them thank you for supporting us throughout the year. It’s the least we can do.”

Volunteer firefighter Sam Bestgen described the atmosphere as a “big family, big team” effort, noting that members of all ages and experience levels—from auxiliary members and family pairs to veterans with nearly four decades of service—worked side‑by‑side cooking, serving and cleaning.

Recruitment Focus Amid Fire Season Challenges

The gathering follows a demanding summer across the Black Hills, where dry conditions prompted local fire bans and heightened grass‑fire risks, while emergency medical calls remained steady. Beyond a hot meal, the breakfast feed serves as a crucial outreach and recruitment opportunity. Like many volunteer fire agencies in western South Dakota, Whitewood is actively seeking new members to help protect the community.

“We’re always looking for volunteers,” Werlinger said. “I know everybody runs into the issue of getting people to volunteer, but all the local fire departments are looking.” Bestgen encouraged anyone with an inclination to serve to take the step, emphasizing that volunteers receive comprehensive training regardless of background. “Even if there’s no calls, you still gain something,” he added. “There’s so much to learn, there’s so much to do, and there’s not enough people for it.”

How to Get Involved

Community members interested in joining the Whitewood Volunteer Fire Department or learning more about volunteer opportunities can contact the department through its official Facebook page to request an application.

The annual breakfast feed exemplifies how local volunteers blend service, fellowship and recruitment, reinforcing the department’s role as a cornerstone of safety and community spirit in Whitewood.

Original reporting: KOTA (Gray) – local — read the source article.