02 Broadcaster Press October 14, 2014 www.broadcasteronline.com Draper speaks internationally on behalf of Vermillion Fire Department By Katie Clausen For the Plain Talk Vermillion Fire Chief Shannon Draper has been around the block a few times. Actually, he’s been around the world. “The first place I was at speaking on firefighting was Turkey with airport firefighters,” Draper said. Draper will be headed to Iwakuni, Japan Oct. 15th and will be speaking on fire prevention and fire inspection to Department of Defense US military personnel that are located throughout Japan. “I used to do it a lot, but now my commitment is in Vermillion,” Draper, father of three, said. “I’ve gone from several trips a year down to just one.” While Draper enjoys traveling, he is also focused on the fire department here at home. Originally from Kansas City, Draper has been all over the globe and the United States as part of his firefighting career. He is looking to make a difference in the realm of fire and rescue. “Usually I speak about leadership” said Draper. “What I get out of it is being in a room with people who want to be there, who are professionals. We feed off of each other and I get energy out of that group,” Draper said of speaking to firefighters. “I have lectured about fire service topics at fire chief conferences,” Draper said. “Working with senior fire chiefs and senior fire inspectors helps give us ideas so we can constantly be improving”. Being able to bring that experience back to Vermillion has helped Draper manage the 45 firefighters on the Vermillion crew. Draper has spent a significant amount of time in South Korea, and has been to all of the continents except Antarctica. Draper’s favorite topic is advanced leadership. While Draper enjoys traveling, he is also focused on the fire department here at home. “I try to be a steward of our assets,” Draper said. The department currently has a newer and larger rescue truck on order. “The department was in a great place before I got here, and had great potential,” said Draper. Members of the Vermillion Fire Department meet each Wednesday for a meeting and trainings. Two training sessions per month is normal. Please Recycle! Airport fire response drills like this one in Turkey is just an example of the type of settings Shannon Draper, Vermillion’s Fire Chief, works on when he travels the world to talk about the professionl.Draper is set for a trip to Japan on Oct. 15 and will speak on fire prevention and inspection. (Courtesy Photo) “Vermillion has a very professional department. It speaks volumes for the type of people we have on the department” Draper said. As part of Draper’s personal initiative to constantly improve the department, he has committed to a statewide training course. “In January we will be hosting a fire inspector class, the first class of its kind to be held in the State of South Dakota. All departments from across the state are invited,” Draper said. Several people from across the state have already signed up for the course. Lions’ Sunday, Octobe 9, Sunday, October 19, 2013 ay October y, y Octob b Dinner served from 11 am to 1:3 pm ved 1 m 1:30 Raf?es begin a 1 pm Raf?es begins at ns n Roast Turkey Dinner • Raf?es • Many fun kids’ games • Silent Auction Turkey Sunday, October 19 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lesterville Community Hall Menu Includes: Chicken Noodle Soup, Vegetable Soup, Chili Soup, Hot Dogs, Taverns, Chicken Salad Sandwiches, Kolaches, Pie & Desserts Raffles • Cake Walk • Fish Pond • Bingo Sponsored by St. John’s Catholic Church MEET THE CANDIDATES MEET CANDIDATES T Candidate Forum District 17 State Senator – one open position Michelle Maloney Arthur Rusch District 17 State Representative – two open positions Sheri Kaufman Nancy Rasmussen Ray Ring Marion Sorlien Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2014 • 7:00 pm City Hall Council Chambers • 25 Center Street The public is welcome and encouraged to submit written questions to the candidates The forum will be televised live on local channel 3 Sponsored by the VCDC Legislative Affairs Committee OCT. 15-16 ELVIS LIVES! Tribute Artist from Branson, MO $8 adults and $4 for kids 10 & u er Kids 2 & u r under under free St. Agnes Catholic School, Lewis & Walker Streets, Ve oli chool, ker Vermillion, SD SOUP KITCHEN Beyond training and equipment, Draper noted that one of his goals is to improve community interaction with the fire department. “We have the support of the City Manager, which really helps,” said Draper. “We are focusing heavily on fire prevention by engaging the business community of Vermillion. We want to be here to help our businesses and schools improve their safety as well.” Draper’s goals are simple “We will continue to grow our professional development, increase training, and have a succession plan.” Featuring Joseph Hall, from Lincoln, NE as “Elvis”. 6th place contestant in 2008 on America’s Got Talent, awarded Male Entertainer Of The Year in Branson, MO 2014 DAY DAYS AYS At the National Guard Armory next to Lions Park Armor y Park Our Local Talent, The Outback Band Will Be Opening and Playing For Elvis Saturday, October 18 • 7:30PM Bow Valley Dance Hall, Bow Valley, NE Ser ving Serving 11:30am-1pm 5pm-7pm 11:30am-1pm & 5pm-7pm $5 Pre-sale $6 at the door $5 Pre-sale $6 at the door Kids 5 & under eat free! Kids under eat free! e-clubhouse.org/sites/vermillion e-clubhouse.org/sites/vermillion Tickets $20 in advance or $25 at the door Charge by phone 402-667-6557 Vermillion Vermillion Lions Club Lions Club w early ar the Darro Come m and he Rick th 5p er wi at 6:4 urlitz ty W Migh Th Powe Music The Power Musiic The Power off Music he ower us c si October 18, 2014 OZ with Orchestra Experience one of the most beloved movies of all time on the Orpheum’s big screen as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the MGM Classic, The Wizard of Oz. Hear the original 1939 Judy Garland studio recordings accompanied by Maestro Ryan Haskins, and your Sioux City Symphony. Orpheum Theatre 7:30 pm Ticket Prices: $50, $40, $25, $15 Order ticket by phone Order tickets by pho 712-277-2111 or online at www.siouxcitysymphony.org tickets kets one o www.siouxcitysymphony. www.siou c tys www uxcitysymphon .org ww Generously Generously sponsored by: by: Only 2 more TUESDAYS UNTIL ELECTION DAY! Do you think IT’S TOO HARD TO CLAIM your property HELD BY THE STATE TREASURER? A CHANGE IN PIERRE IS NEEDED! Your property will be EASIER TO RECOVER WHEN WE ELECT DENNY PIERSON – STATE TREASURER! www.piersonforstatetreasurersd.com p Paid for by Denny Pierson for State Treasurer Committee