Mayor Allender & Fire Chief Culberson Share Sentiments on Death of Former Fire Chief Seals
Fire Chief Rod Seals and his family at the 2018 swearing-in ceremony in Council Chambers. Seals served as department chief for more than four years and served in the Rapid City Fire Department in many capacities from 1995 to his retirement in 2020.
Former Rapid City Fire Chief Rod Seals passed away Wednesday at the age of 52. Rod served the Rapid City community as a member of the Rapid City fire department for 25 years (1995-2020), including leading the department the final four years as fire chief. He served in many capacities throughout his career in the fire department. The City and Rapid City Fire Department pay tribute to Chief Seals with a photo collage on their respective facebook pages.
MAYOR STEVE ALLENDER:
“I am saddened at the news of Rod’s passing. This is a shock to our community. Rod had a genuine love and pride for Rapid City, serving his entire firefighting career here from 1995 to 2020, including the final four years leading the department as fire chief.
Every day of his career was spent with the safety and protection of our citizens as his top priority. He served with dedication, commitment and honor, bringing an infectious smile and friendly personality to his duties that endeared him to his colleagues and citizens alike. What a great loss to all who knew Rod. My family and I extend our heartfelt condolences to Rod’s wife Jennifer and their children Elyse and Carter.”
FIRE CHIEF JASON CULBERSON:
“It is a sad day in our department. Rod was a great man, a great Fire Chief, and a great friend. He will be sorely missed.”