The U.S. Fire Administration is reporting the on-duty death of a South Dakota firefighter July 17.
Donald DeVries was bailing hay on his property near Belvidere in the south-central part of the state, when the hay bailer started to burn and spread to the dried hay. He called his home and told his family to call for the fire department. When the fire department arrived, he had already extinguished the fire. The fire department investigated.
While conversing with members of the department afterwards, DeVries collapsed. He was transported to Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip where he was pronounced dead.
DeVries, 50 was a member of the Belvidere Fire Department under Chief Francis Osborn. He is survived by his wife Dana and three married daughters. He graduated with a degree in court reporting, but nothing could keep him from his love for ranching. In addition to ranching, he also loved breeding and raising quarter horses, as well as flying.
Visitation was held on Wednesday, July 20, at the Kadoka Auditorium. Funeral services were July 21 at the Kadoka City Auditorium. Interment was in the Belvidere Cemetery.
