Terence Krcil has been a volunteer firefighter for the Wagner Fire Department for the past six years. What drew Terence to wanting to become a firefighter was that he wanted to be able to give back to the Wagner community in some way. After talking to some firefighters with the Wagner department, Terence knew that he wanted to become a firefighter. When asked if he was from a long-line of volunteer firefighters, Terence said no, but that he had kind of married into the firefighter family as both of his brothers-in-law were a part of the department.

As a firefighter, Terence believes that there are four qualities that a firefighter needs to possess. The four qualities are courage, adaptability, communication and team work. During his years with the department, Terence has participated in parades; fundraisers including raffles, figure 8 and dart tournaments; trunk or treat on Main Street; and Fire Prevention days with Wagner’s elementary students. For Terence, the most important duty of being a firefighter is being able to protect life as it is their main focus because possessions are replaceable.

Being a member of the department has definitely influenced Terence’s perspective on how precious life and family truly are. He has come to appreciate every second that he has with them as no one knows what the future holds.

Terence attends the monthly meeting trainings whether it be hands on training or a walk around with a local business in order to better know the layout in case of fire. One thing that people may not know about being a firefighter is they do not just dedicate their time when the pager or whistle calls; there is so much more to their duties than just that. They spend time conducting truck inspections, repairing their own equipment as well as the amount of time that a new firefighter dedicates to get Firefighter 1 and 2 course certified which is over 400 hours.

Terence is married to his wife, Kayla. The couple have two beautiful daughters, Harper and Whitlee, with another little one expected to arrive in July. Terence works as an engineering equipment operator work leader for the Corp of Engineers at the Fort Randall Dam in Pickstown. In addition to his full-time job, Terence also farms with his brother doing both row crop and cow/ calf operations. When he does have free time, he enjoys being outdoors whether it be hunting, fishing, camping or enjoying family time.

Thank you, Terence, for your service and dedication to the Wagner community.