SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - The city is looking for a few good men and women to fill the ranks of the Sioux Falls Police and Fire Departments.
Mayor Mike Huether says the city will spend $60 million dollars on the departments. He says that's the commitment the city is making when it comes to public satety.
The city will hire 10 additional police officers and 15 new firefighters next year.
Chief Doug Barthel says the city’s budget will pay wages for five hires and a federal COPS grant will pay for the others. Barhtel says when it comes to personnel and equipment the Sioux Falls Police Department is among the best in the nation.
Barthel says there’s a stream of retirements next year and those positions will also be filled.
A new Sioux Falls fire station will open this spring and 15 new firefighters will man it. Chief Jim Sideras says the department is still hiring firefighters as the city continues growing.
Sideras says Station 11 will open in April and Station 12 will open in 2019.