Trampus Story

 The Haskvitz family, in honor of their son Trampus Haskvitz, who was burnt over Aug. 11, 2011 in the Coal Canyon Fire at the young age of 23, host an annual golf tournament to raise funds for local first responders and community members in need. The Trampus Haskvitz Memorial Foundation board of directors organize this event. 

Nobody said farewell at his funeral better than Trampus’ big brother Ben Haskvitz, leaning on the lectern and gathering deep breaths in a brave eulogy for a brother who loved so many.

“Tramp loved us all. I don’t know how he had enough love for everyone,” Ben Haskvitz said. “It blows my mind.” In a soft, halting voice, he told stories about sibling playfulness that had many in the audience chuckling through their tears. He also marveled at how he looked up to his younger brother. “There were so many things about that kid you wanted to be like,” Ben said.

His death is South Dakota’s loss, South Dakota Governor Daugaard said. “Trampus died protecting South Dakotans. We are all diminished, and South Dakota is less because he is no longer with us,” he said. Daugaard added Haskvitz was involved in mankind in the most personal way: “Putting himself at risk so that others would be safe.”

John is his twin brother and continues Trampus' legacy for the State of South Dakota Wildland firefighters division.  He is currently the FMO in the Hot Springs field office, where safety and training are a main focus of his attention.