SD Fire Chiefs Annual Leadership Conference - 2025
Friday, December 5, 2025 1:00 PM - Sunday, December 7, 2025 12:00 PM (MST)
Description
NEW THIS YEAR WILL BE A "FIRE CHIEFS 101" breakout session and presentation/round table for new/inexperienced/future Fire Chiefs focusing on smaller volunteer departments, this will be held Friday afternoon, more details to be announced.
SD Fire Chiefs Association Annual Leadership Conference - All are welcome! You do not need to be an officer to attend! All are welcome and encouraged to attend, 100% Volunteer, Combination and Career. This conference is geared for Fire Departments of all sizes from the smallest volunteer departments to large career departments.
Hello and welcome to the 2025 South Dakota Fire Chiefs Leadership Conference.
We hope to see all of you here again, and bring a few new faces as well. This is not just for chiefs, but also for up and comers in your organizations. All ARE WELCOME!
Click Here to Download Tentative Schedule
Keynote Presentations From:
NEW THIS YEAR WILL BE A "FIRE CHIEFS 101" presentation for new/inexperienced/future Fire Chiefs, this will be held Friday afternoon from 1:00pm-4:00pm. Please check the box on the registration form if you will be participating in the FIRE CHIEFS 101 Breakout Session
Topics Covered during the Fire Chiefs 101 Breakout Session will include the following and more. Bring your questions!
- NERIS Incident Reporting
- SD Fire Chiefs Handbook
- Basic Budgeting and Requests
- Insurance
- ISO
- National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Resources
- SD LAST Team Resources
- National Volunteer Fire Council Resources
- South Dakota Firefighters Association Benefits/Resources
First Due Fire & EMS Software
ISO and Community Hazard Mitigation - Randall Downs with Verisk
ISO’s Community Hazard Mitigation works closely with fire departments and communities through our Public Protection Classification (PPC®) program, which develops classification of community fire suppression capabilities on a scale of 1 (exemplary) to 10.
Using PPC ratings
Many Insurers use PPC ratings as a measure of the risk of fire losses in a community, an important item to consider when determining premiums for property insurance.
Fire departments that have achieved higher PPC ratings have generally established procedures, processes, and best practices that can serve as examples to other communities. By understanding what these methods are and having a measurement tool for the degree in which fire departments implement them, insurers can better assess fire suppression abilities in related communities and get a clearer picture of fire risk before issuing a policy.
Wellness Program for the First Responder Community
A hostile political environment coupled with a reduction in departmental resources has lowered morale and increased mental health concerns amongst the rank and file.
The nature and pressures of the job manifest themselves in poor performance, shorter careers, unstable home environments, and employees suffering from PTSD and other forms of trauma and mental health issues. As a result, departments and agencies face acute retention and recruiting challenges that negatively impact budgets and hinder their ability to execute their duties.
The 1st Watch Wellness program was developed to address these concerns. 1st Watch works directly with departments to schedule regular wellness checkups for all employees and provide follow-up sessions to employees and family members as needed. All 1st Watch clinicians are culturally competent and know, understand, and respect the job.
Barry C. Toone
Founder & Director of Professional Relations
Barry C. Toone is the founder and Director of Professional Relations for 1st Watch Wellness, a leading provider of preventative mental health and wellness services for first responders. His background includes graduating from the University of Notre Dame Law School and working as a trial lawyer. Barry's recovery journey and his grandfather's experiences as a decorated World War II veteran deeply influenced the creation of 1st Watch, leading him to dedicate himself full-time to the company.
Barry has been happily married to Karen Wilding Toone for 32 years. Together, they have raised three children and now enjoy the blessings of three grandchildren.
Jim Miguel
Department Liaison
Jim Miguel brings nearly four decades of fire service leadership to the 1st Watch Wellness team, with a career marked by dedication, innovation, and service to others. Beginning his journey at just 19 years old with the Modesto Fire Department in California, Jim rose through the ranks over 28 years, ultimately serving as Fire Chief. He went on to lead two additional departments as Fire Chief—first in Livermore-Pleasanton, California, and later in Provo, Utah—demonstrating a consistent commitment to excellence and public service across multiple communities.
Jim holds a Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration and a Master of Science in Executive Leadership. He is also a graduate of the prestigious National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program (2000), a testament to his strategic leadership and passion for professional development within the fire service.
Now serving as a Department Liaison for 1st Watch Wellness, Jim is deeply passionate about opening doors to vital mental health and wellness resources for first responders. His experience and credibility within the fire service make him a powerful advocate and bridge between departments and the support systems they need.
Outside of his professional life, Jim and his wife, Susan, proudly share a blended family of eleven children and twenty-four grandchildren. A lifelong golfer, Jim fulfilled a personal dream by playing the Old Course at St. Andrews, a meaningful journey given his strong Scottish heritage. His personal and professional experiences uniquely position him to connect with and support the mission of healing and resilience for those who serve.
Matt Quackenbush, LCSW
Director of Education & Training
Matt Quackenbush is a dedicated therapist and mental health educator with over 12 years of experience specializing in trauma and addiction. With a deep commitment to understanding the complex nature of PTSD, especially within the first responder community, Matt continually seeks out new methods and insights to improve treatment and awareness. He is known for his dynamic presentation style, his passion for education, and his ability to communicate the impact of trauma in a way that resonates with both professionals and those directly affected.
Other Presentations/Info will be Provided From:
South Dakota Workers Compensation and the FRAP (First Responder Assistance Program)
South Dakota State Fire Marshal/South Dakota Department of Public Safety/South Dakota Wildland Fire
South Dakota Firefighters Association
Click here for a copy of the Annual Meeting Minutes from the 2024 Conference
EXHIBITORS/VENDORS: For information on Sponsorship opportunities, exhibitor space at the event, etc... please contact us and we'll send you a link for Vendor/Exhibitor/Sponsor Specific Registration Page. SCDir@sdfirefighters.org
Sponsors
SD Fire Chiefs Assn. - Keynote Speaker Sponsor
SD Fire Chiefs Assn. - Main Conference Sponsor
SD Fire Chiefs Assn. - Meal Sponsor
SD Fire Chiefs Assn. - Fri. Evening Social Sponsor
SD Fire Chiefs Assn. - Conference Break Sponsor
SD Fire Chiefs Assn. - Slot Tournament Sponsor
SD Fire Chiefs Assn. - Conference Exhibitor/Vendor
SD Fire Chiefs Assn. - Partner Sponsor
SD Fire Chiefs Assn. - Event Venue Partner
SD Fire Chiefs Conference Presenter/Sponsor
Images
Conference cost is $175 per attendee, those that belong to a Department that is a Current (FY 2025) SD Fire Chiefs Association MEMBER will receive a $50 discount per registrant.
NON-Members - If your Department isn't a CURRENT member of the SD Fire Chiefs Association its not to late! Visit our membership application page at <SD Fire Chiefs Membership Application> and fill out an application and get your membership dues paid. The membership process requires review of your application which may take a day or two, you will be notified once your application has been processed.
Click Here to view a list of current SD Fire Chiefs Association Members
NOTE: An early registration discount of $25 will be automatically applied to your registration fee if registering by the cut-off date of
360 MAIN ST
DEADWOOD, SD 57732 United States
Cadillac Jack's Gaming Resort is connected to the SpringHill Suites by Marriot, The Double Tree by Hilton and the Tru by Hilton. The actual Conference Venue is located in the Roosevelt I & II Conference Rooms in the Spring Hill Suites. Those conference rooms are located on the far 'north-eastern' portion of the building, or maybe easier to describe by saying the portion most 'down-hill' of the complex. It's adjacent to the Spring Hill Lounge and near the swimming pool.
Hotel Information Follows
SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Deadwood, SD is honored to host the guests of South Dakota Fire Chiefs Association.
SPECIAL SD FIRE CHIEFS CONFERENCE GROUP RATES are valid starting December 4 through December 7, 2025.
Individuals may book their reservation at the group rate using the link below, or can call our hotel directly at 605-559-1600 and request a reservation.
Rates and code are only valid for King Suites and must be made prior to November 3rd, 2025 to receive the group rate.
The hotel allows individual cancellations without penalty up to 48 hours prior to arrival date.
Cancellation policy is enforced regardless of what automated emails or Marriott websites list.
Tru by Hilton in Deadwood, SD is honored to host the guests of South Dakota Fire Chiefs Association.
Rates are valid starting December 5 through December 7, 2025.
Individuals may book their reservation at the group rate using the link below, or can call our hotel directly at 605-571-1001 and request a reservation.
Rates and code are only valid for King @ Double Queen Rooms and must be made prior to November 3, 2025 to receive the group rate.
The hotel allows individual cancellations without penalty up to 48 hours prior to arrival date.
Cancellation policy is enforced regardless of what automated emails or Hilton websites list.
Tru by Hilton Discount Reservation Link Must be Booked by 11/3/2025
Double Tree by Hilton - NO Discounted Rooms For the Conference are Blocked at this time but the hotel information can be found by following this link
92