First Responders
Rapid City Fire and Police Departments
As Rapid City continues to grow, two key figures in the community — Police Chief Don Hedrick and Fire Chief Jason Culberson — are leading the way in addressing the evolving challenges and opportunities of public safety, all while staying true to the heart of the city.
Both leaders consider recruiting and retaining top-tier personnel as integral to this task. “It starts with us leading the right way,” said Chief Hedrick. “We’ve made a concerted effort to recruit top talent, and we’ve been successful in bringing in excellent people.” Both chiefs have adopted modern, innovative recruitment strategies, reaching out to new pools of candidates and offering the support their teams need to thrive.
When it comes to their teams, both chiefs couldn’t be more proud of their people. “We have some of the best and brightest,” said Chief Culberson. “Our fire department includes individuals who are national leaders in their field — experts others look to for answers.
Chief Hedrick shared similar sentiments and said, “I’d put our first responders up against anyone in the nation. We have an incredible team, top-of-the-line equipment, and, most importantly, the best community to live and work in.” He believes that the strength of the city’s public safety teams is directly tied to the deep-rooted sense of community that defines Rapid City. He also added that the strong camaraderie and mutual respect between the police and fire departments are key to maintaining this level of excellence. “The collaboration between our departments is second to none,” he said, “and when public safety is at risk, we come together as one.”
For both chiefs, their connection to the Black Hills goes beyond the scope of their work. It’s about being part of a community in one of the most beautiful and unique regions in the country. Chief Culberson reflected, “The Black Hills provide us with a special backdrop for everything we do.”
Chief Hedrick agreed, noting, “The people here are an essential part of how we do what we do. We see it daily in how the community comes together, especially in times of crisis. The people here genuinely care for each other, and that’s a part of what makes our work here incredibly rewarding.”
As Rapid City grows, it’s clear that the leadership of Don Hedrick and Jason Culberson is focused on maintaining the heart of the community. Their dedication to building strong, capable teams, supporting their staff, and embracing innovation ensures that public safety will continue to evolve alongside the city — all while preserving the values that make Rapid City such a beloved place to live.
Rapid City Fire Department
10 Main Street, Rapid City, SD 57701
rcgov.org/departments/fire-department
Rapid City Police Department
300 Kansas City Street, Suite 302, Rapid City, SD 57701
rcgov.org/departments/police-department