Claremont Fire Department

04/12/2026

Claremont E63 and Miller B3 are on severity assignment with South Dakota Wildland Fire in Custer to assist with the recent and forecasted wildfire dangers. Meanwhile back home department members will be taking CPR class today for training.

01/22/2026

01/13/2026

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Brian Nietert (COWBOY), a brave firefighter who endured a prolonged and challenging battle with cancer, ultimately passing away on January 10th, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones. A celebration of his life will be held on January 16th, 2026, at Paetznick-Garness Funeral Home in Groton, with visitation from 5-7 pm, followed by a funeral service at St. Elisabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Groton on Saturday at 10:30 am. Though his time with us was cut short, his legacy will live on, and he will continue to watch over us as our guardian angel. May he rest in peace, knowing his fellow firefighters will carry on his work.

01/08/2026

Claremont Fire Department held elections last night:
Chief – Matt McCranie
Assistant Chief – Scott Patterson
Captain – Brad Jones
Fire Officer – Riley Jones
EMS Officer – Jerry McCabe
Sec/Treas – Emma Rasmussen
2025 Firefighter of the Year – Riley Jones ‘Back 2 Back’

In 2025, the department responded to 19 fire calls and 7 EMS calls. Fire and EMS personnel logged more than 595 combined man-hours in meetings, trainings, and on-scene response, with numerous additional hours devoted to preparation, maintenance, and other operational responsibilities.

Claremont also expanded its regional and state-level support efforts in 2025. Engine 63 was deployed on its first assignment to the Pine Ridge Agency during the summer, where it spent 16 days assisting with patrol and fire suppression operations. Later in the year, Engine 63 completed a 5-day assignment in the Black Hills, supporting South Dakota Wildland Fire during multiple active fires that occurred during and following a significant windstorm.

These deployments were completed under the State cooperator program through South Dakota Wildland Fire. Through this program, Claremont participates with a qualified engine and personnel that meet State and NWCG standards, operating and compensated in accordance with the State Mobilization Guide.

07/28/2025

Let’s send some prayers and well wishes to a few of our locals headed out to help battle fire.
NMFD members
Tyler Cape
Nate Dinger
Claremont Fire Department Matt Mccranie
Heading to Pine Ridge for severity detail for 7 days with an extension possible up to 14 days.