PIERRE, SD (Mitchell Now) — Secretary of Corrections Nick Lamb announces that Department of Corrections (DOC) staff and offenders have wrapped up storm clean up efforts in Huron and Highmore.
“In South Dakota, we work smarter, and we believe in finding practical solutions that benefit everyone. This DOC initiative is a perfect win-win example,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “Our communities receive much-needed help, and our inmates have the opportunity to get outside and contribute to something greater than themselves. I am grateful for their hard work and willingness to step up when South Dakota needs them.”
The initial deployment of 25 minimum-security female offenders from the Pierre Minimum Center and DOC staff members occurred on June 29th following high winds that caused extensive damage in and around the City of Highmore. DOC crews spent a total of 8 days assisting in cleanup efforts in and around Highmore.
DOC crews first deployed to Huron on July 3rd, following a storm the night before that resulted in extensive damage to the State Fairgrounds and throughout the City of Huron, including downed trees, loss of utilities, and other debris. The first deployment included 15 minimum-security offenders and 4 DOC staff members from Sioux Falls. Another DOC crew of 25 offenders and 3 staff returned to the fairgrounds on July 5th to continue with cleanup.
Beginning on July 6th and continuing through July 17th, operations expanded beyond the fairgrounds to support recovery efforts at multiple locations throughout the City of Huron. Crews consisting of 24 to 30 offenders and 3 to 5 staff members were deployed to the South Dakota State Fairgrounds, city streets, parks, and landfill. DOC crews removed storm debris, cut and hauled fallen trees, cleared city streets and parks, and transported storm debris to the landfill.
“Throughout this response, offender crews provided more than 2,700 hours of labor under the supervision of DOC staff and approved community service supervisors,” said Secretary Lamb. “The crews were working in less than ideal conditions, but offenders indicated that they enjoyed the opportunity to help out and give back.”
DOC maintains a disaster response team at each facility to respond to natural disasters at the request of the Governor’s Office and the Department of Public Safety Office of Emergency Management.