Lead Volunteer Fire Department

05/30/2026

7/25/1960 - 5/10/2026 Lead Fire Department Chief, (Ret'd) Raymond Albert 'Ray' Bubb, 65, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2026 at his home in west Rapid City SD. 'Bubba', as

05/25/2026

On this Memorial Day, the Lead Volunteer Fire Department honors the brave men and women who paid the ultimate price for the freedoms we hold dear. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

05/20/2026

In Memoriam – Chief Raymond "Bubba" Bubb

The Lead Volunteer Fire Department mourns the loss of our former Fire Chief, Raymond "Bubba" Bubb, who passed away peacefully on May 10, 2026.

Ray joined the Lead Fire Department in 1987 and served as our Chief from 1994 to 2007 — including leading our department through the Grizzly Gulch Fire, one of the most significant and devastating wildfires in Black Hills history. His steady hand and years of experience helped protect this community when it needed it most.

Beyond his time with our department, Ray's life was defined by decades of service, as a U.S. Air Force Veteran, a wildland firefighter across the nation, and a dedicated volunteer with Black Hills Ski for Light.

He was a brother to everyone who served alongside him.

Last alarm, Chief. We have the watch from here.

https://www.kirkfuneralhome.com/obituary/raymond-bubb

05/18/2026

LVFD has Spring Visit with Lead's Littlest Learners!

The Lead Volunteer Fire Department had an absolute blast visiting the two Pre-K classes at Lead Middle School last week and honestly, we think we had just as much fun as the kids did.

Each year, our crew makes two trips to the classroom. In the fall during Fire Prevention Week, we focus on introducing our youngest community members to what a firefighter looks like fully geared up because the last thing we ever want is for a child to be afraid of us when they need us most. Familiarity can save lives.

During the spring visit we get to have some fun outside.

This year we rolled in with Tender 5 to supply water to the hoseline and the big sq**rt gun, Rescue 4 carrying the "Big Scissors" (that's the HURST Jaws of Life Extrication Tools), and Brush 6 loaded up with our wildland fire tools.

The kiddos got to spray water, see a rainbow with the deck gun (the "Big Sq**rt Gun"), and check out the shovels, Pulaski axes, and McLeod rakes we rely on for wildland response. There's something special about listening to a four-year-old confidently tell you what they think each tool does.

A huge thank you to Miss Judy, Miss Raygan, and Miss Alex for welcoming us into your classrooms.

We are already looking forward to next year!

05/17/2026

The Lead Volunteer Fire Department would like to extend our sincerest congratulations to the Lead-Deadwood High School Class of 2026!

Your hard work, perseverance, and dedication have brought you to this moment, and this community couldn't be more proud. Graduation is a milestone worth celebrating, and we hope you take a moment to reflect on everything you've accomplished. We look forward to watching you carry that same determination into whatever comes next.

It is our honor to announce the 2026 recipient of the Lead Volunteer Fire Department's Walter Kiel Memorial Scholarship is Nikiah Black.

Nikiah, this recognition is a testament to the effort and character you have demonstrated throughout your years at Lead-Deadwood. Congratulations! It is well deserved.

From all of us at the LVFD, congratulations Class of 2026. We are proud of you!

05/14/2026

We are pleased to announce that the Lead Volunteer Fire Department extends its congratulations to Assistant Chief Joe Perdue and Firefighter Jena Sierks for successfully earning their National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) certifications.

Over the past six months, Chief Perdue and Firefighter Sierks have completed extensive training and examinations to enhance their skills, thereby strengthening our ability to serve the Lead community.

The Lead Volunteer Fire Department responds to over 150 medical emergencies annually, and their commitment significantly elevates our response capabilities.

Please join us in recognizing Chief Perdue and Firefighter Sierks for their outstanding dedication and achievement.

05/14/2026

The Lead Volunteer Fire Department is excited to welcome the Special Olympics South Dakota Law Enforcement Torch Run as they will be coming through the City of Lead for the very first time.

Officers and Special Olympics athletes are carrying the Flame of Hope across South Dakota on their way to the State Summer Games in Spearfish.

We invite our community to come out at 2:30PM to cheer on the runners and show your support for these incredible athletes and law enforcement officers. The current plan is to begin near the high school and continue toward the Sanford Lab Visitors Center. We hope to see you there!

05/12/2026

05/11/2026

We are saddened to learn of the death of Lead's former Fire Chief, Ray Bubb.

He will be missed by many.

Here he is pictured with his characteristic smile. Photo is dated 1991.

RIP Chief Bubb.

02/08/2026

Join Us for the Annual Winterfest Bonfire!

Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 21st at 6:00 PM as the Lead Volunteer Fire Department hosts our Annual Winterfest Bonfire at Manual Brothers Park, and we're building our biggest blaze yet!

The evening begins with the spectacular fireworks display over the Historic Homestake Open Cut, followed immediately by the bonfire lighting.

Dress warmly and bring your friends and family for an evening under the stars. Fireworks, Christmas Trees burning, and good company make for the perfect winter night.

This is a beloved Lead tradition, and we're looking forward to seeing our community come together for an evening of warmth, light, and celebration.

See you at the bonfire!