SFS ensure safety of all Open House visitors

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Steven Wilson
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
Ellsworth's free to the public, open house event scheduled for June 23 is proceeding as planned and events are being finalized. 

A key player in this year's open house is Ellsworth's security forces squadron. 

These highly trained and experienced crime fighters have the public's safety foremost in their minds so everyone may enjoy the open house in a safe and secure environment. 

"The general population of Rapid City should use Exit 67B to access the base," said Senior Master Sgt. Rory Olson, 28th Security Forces Squadron Operations Superintendent. "We'll have uniformed personnel posted along the route after folks enter the installation to guide to the public parking areas." 

All regular Department of Defense ID card holders will be able to access the Liberty as well as the Patriot Gate, but Sergeant Olson recommends military personnel follow the same route as other open house show-goers. 

"If military identification-card holders access another gate besides the Liberty Gate, they'll have to go all the way around housing and negotiate some awkward traffic conditions," he said. "They'll get in and out of Ellsworth faster if they follow the traffic pattern as everyone else." 

Sergeant Olson added that Ellsworth residents simply going to and from their base residence should have no problems stemming from open house traffic.
While ease of accessing the festivities is a concern, Ellsworth's main concern is the safety of everyone attending the open house. 

"Leave the coolers and backpacks at home," Sergeant Olson advised. "We also will not allow any pocketknives or firearms," he added. 

Sergeant Olson explained diaper bags, strollers and other necessities for small children will be allowed through the security checkpoints, located just prior to accessing the open house area, but are subject to search. 

More information on the open house will be provided by 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs as the details become available.