Mark Fox, chairman of the Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara Nation, commended the firefighters for all of their hard work in seeing the first tribal fire station become a reality. He talked about how hard the firefighters have worked for the past 10 years to get to this point and wanted to make sure they get credit for all of their accomplishments.

To make things official they had an “uncoupling ceremony,” the first sign they are ready to serve. This makes the area their official firehouse.

“We wanted to give back to volunteers who gave hours to the setting up for events and helping with fundraising,” Capt. Thomas Bonilla said.

After blankets were presented, a catered meal was provided for the public.

The Matt Howling Wolf family takes a look at firefighters’ gear in the first fire station for the White Shield community. Photo by Karen LoneFight.

In addition, gifts, including hats, were available for the children and all the vehicles were open for show.

An uncoupling ceremony with White Shield Fire District members and others took place during the grand opening of the new fire district Wednesday. The ceremony marked the official start of the department. Photo by Karen LoneFight.

White Shield Fire District firefighters and others are shown at the grand opening Wednesday of the new White Shield Fire District. From the left are Matt Howling Wolf, Cliffton Broyer, Shay LaCroix, Neo Everett, Chantel Andrade and son, Deputy Chief Tevin Dixon, MHA Councilmen Robert White and Fred Fox, Capt. Thomas Bonilla, Lt. Peter Go, Damian Ben, Bernardo Garcia, Julius Poitra and McLean County Sheriff JR Kerzmann. Photo by Karen LoneFight.