JRH Memorial Fundraiser Saturday in Rapid City

RAPID CITY, S.D.(KOTA)- In 1999, a Jet Ski accident at Pactola took the life of Joshua (How-gen) Haugen, and it took a little over a year for his body to be recovered by the Rapid City/Pennington County Water Rescue Team.

The Haugen family has since gotten involved with the Water Rescue Team, creating the JRH Memorial Fundraiser to raise awareness of water safety and to collect funds for the team.

Main Street Square this Saturday will host the fourth such fundraiser. Kori Ewing, Joshua’s older sister, said it’s always an emotional time.

Ewing said there is plenty of reason to come down to the fundraiser this year.

Tessa Jaeger, public information officer for the Rapid City Fire Department, said lifejackets can make the difference.

Last year $4,000 was raised for the team, and this year the goal has been set to more than double that amount – $10,000.

That $4,000 was used to purchase a floating platform first responders can use as something of a “home-base” during water rescues.