Pennington County sheriff offers extended presence and assistance in Hill City during rally

HILL CITY, S.D. – Whether heading to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse or a plethora of different locations across the Black Hills, Hill City serves as a bustling halfway level for vacationers. And during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, the inhabitants grows exponentially.

However, whether or not by foot or by cruiser, the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office maintains its responsibility to make sure the security of the general public.

“We convey particular deputies in from allover. We have had Montana, Iowa — I imagine we have now one which got here in from Delaware as effectively,” Sgt. Scott Sitzes mentioned. “So, from throughout they arrive in and work the rally. And lots of the blokes which are right here, they’ve been right here for a number of years and simply hold coming again.”

This yr, PCSO has employed seven new “non permanent deputies” so as to add to the patrol. When they arrive in Pennington County, they’re sworn in as a member of the division. Once the rally is over, the deputies are decommissioned and head again house.

But even with the big spike in the area’s inhabitants, issues have a tendency to remain comparatively calm. In reality, when members on patrol are approached by folks, it’s typically for one thing so simple as instructions or questions concerning the space.

“We get lots of people that come up and say, ‘hey, the place is that this,’ or ‘the place is that this restaurant at,’ or ‘I simply noticed a few bikes collide.’ We run into that,” Sgt. Sitzes mentioned.

In reality, during his patrol Sunday afternoon, residents have been even stopping to share their gratitude to Sgt. Sitzes, together with a pleasant dialog. And as a lot as folks are inclined to have a pre-conceived notion of rally-goers being rowdy, Sgt. Sitzes says it’s typically the alternative – with nearly everybody there to have a great time.

“It is nice to be so embedded in that group out right here that individuals really feel comfy arising and visiting with us,” he provides.

Of course, Sgt. Sitzes does advocate attendees — whether or not on a motorcycle or not — be conscious of themselves and everybody else. Things like loud music and engines revving can distract riders and the general public from their environment. And in an emergency scenario, regulation enforcement responding to an incident in the world could possibly be held up and prevented from arriving in time.

Road closures are one other risk. Riders ought to anticipate and be ready to take different routes to their locations regardless of how quick or lengthy the rerouted highway is.

But above all, the rally is a time to have enjoyable. The sheriff’s workplace is on responsibility to increase assistance, and possibly even a restaurant suggestion or two.

“If you see us, don’t be afraid to say hey. Or when you’ve got any questions, come on up,” Sgt. Sitzes mentioned. “We are completely happy to present instructions or something anyone wants.”