<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3ZQBH6_0vkieFpf00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3ZQBH6_0vkieFpf00" width="1200" height="768" ><figcaption>Mitchell Now</figcaption></figure>RAPID CITY, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) Sgt. 1st Class Maxwell R. Stoltenburg of Rapid City, a member of the South Dakota Army National Guard’s 216th Engineer Detachment (Firefighter Team) was presented the Army Individual Award of Excellence in Safety for Fiscal Year 2023 during his retirement ceremony held at the Range Road Armory, Rapid City, on Sept. 7.Stoltenburg earned the Army Individual Award for Excellence in Safety for his outstanding success in hazard awareness, risk management and loss prevention while deployed as Fire Chief in support of Operations to Area Support Group – Black Sea, for preserving readiness through prevention of accidental loss of our Soldiers, Civilians, Families and vital resources and this exceptional achievement demonstrates his dedication and commitment. “We all serve for love of country, love of family and love of each other but as a fire fighter you’ve got an extra mission and that’s to protect those that are protecting the country and nation,” said the SDNG’s Assistant Adjutant General- Army, Brig. Gen. David Dailey during the award ceremony, “and you are a part of the servicemembers that are serving other servicemembers and I want to say ‘Thank You’ for the support you’ve given.” Stoltenburg enlisted in the SDNG in June of 2003 as a combat engineer with the 153rd Engineer Battalion, in 2006 he transferred to the 451st Engineer Detachment as a firefighter and then to the 216th Engineer Detachment (Firefighter Team) as the Fire Chief.“Thank you especially to my wife April for being by my side this long and while I have been gone. I’m not much without her, she’s my rock and my strength to me, and I appreciate everything you do for me,” said Stoltenburg to his wife during the ceremony. Stoltenburg’s impact on fire and life safety, the firefighting occupation, and the mentorship he’s provided to his fellow Soldiers has been in keeping with the highest expectations and traditions of our organization. He has spent countless hours of his time off ensuring he is the subject matter expert in all aspects of firefighting operations while never compromising taking the time to be there for his teammates. The constant dedication to his soldiers, his professionalism, and his career is a shining example as to what each firefighter strives to achieve. Governor Kristi Noem proclaimed October 9th, 2024, as Sergeant First Class Maxwell R. Stoltenburg Day in South Dakota in thanks for his service and her proclamation wished him well in his retirement.</div></body>

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Firefighter Retires After 21 years and Receives Prestigious Award

RAPID CITY, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) Sgt. 1st Class Maxwell R. Stoltenburg of Rapid City, a member of the South Dakota Army National Guard’s 216th Engineer Detachment (Firefighter Team) was presented the Army Individual Award of Excellence in Safety for Fiscal Year 2023 during his retirement ceremony held at the Range Road Armory, Rapid City, on Sept. 7.