Hartford Fire and Rescue volunteer dedicates time to community safety

With the internet and phone services provided by Golden West, Hartford Fire and Rescue and its dedicated volunteers, like Doni Rolfson, serve their community through firefighting, EMT work, and emergency responses.

More than a century ago, Hartford established a fire department with the help of volunteers, who have kept it running since its inception. People like Doni Rolfson, a firefighter/EMT and instructor, use their Golden West service to help countless people in times of crisis and everyday need.  

“I always wanted to help people,” says Doni. “Becoming an EMT sounded like the perfect way to do that. Even doing blood pressures for senior citizens and making a connection is something I look forward to every month.” 

History of helping

Since 1985, Doni has been a member of the department and continues to be involved today. She began serving with an organization called First Help as an EMT before it combined with the Hartford Fire Department to become Hartford Fire and Rescue.  

After recovering from a serious accident in 2009, Doni became an instructor for other volunteers in her hometown on emergency care. She also teaches fire prevention to elementary and middle school students and CPR to high school seniors. 

“It’s great knowing that I can make a difference,” says Doni. “Not just for people in emergencies, but just in everyday life.”  

Over the decades, Doni has helped people in Hartford and a total of 125 square miles. The department’s large service area demands significant effort from community members, who have maintained its volunteer structure since its founding. 

Volunteers since the start

In 1902, the Hartford Fire Department created a service vital to saving lives in rural South Dakota. Volunteers continue to give back to their hometown while maintaining public safety.  

Over time, the organization evolved into more than just a fire department, with new technology improving accessibility for volunteers. The department encourages new volunteers to join and become future first responders.  

Emergency response service

Every volunteer dedicates time outside their full-time jobs to help keep people safe. The Hartford Fire and Rescue Department uses Golden West internet and phone services to respond to emergencies and continuously improve their operations.  

“Staying connected is important. We depend on Golden West to help us serve our community,” says Doni. “At the fire station, for example, we use our internet connection monthly for our EMTs and EMRs (emergency medical responders) to stay current with their continuing education hours.”  

When emergencies arise, the department receives calls via an app called Active 911, which alerts them on their phones with directions, the severity of the situation, and more. Alongside their Golden West service, Hartford Fire and Rescue also uses portable radios to communicate updates in real time. 

Teaming up with friends

Countless volunteers have sacrificed their time to help those in the area, which Doni says creates a special bond. Her ongoing role as an instructor, firefighter, and EMT allows her to foster relationships with the people she serves. Through her work, she met her husband, Craig, along with other people she is close with today. 

“I have met so many wonderful people through the fire department,” she says. “Two of my best friends are from the department, and we talk to each other almost every day over the phone, by text, or in person.”