Jan. 21, 2025

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Ashley Wolfgang, fire medical officer — nurse practitioner with the city of Sioux Falls.

Name: Ashley Wolfgang

Age: 32

Hometown: Sioux Falls

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

I was born and raised here.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

My family. We are raising our son here and want him to stay close to family. I also love this town and don’t see myself ever leaving my hometown. Sioux Falls offers the “big-city feel” while also being small enough to not be overwhelming.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

The variety it has to offer. Each day is unknown, and with this being a new position, I can make this job what I want and what the firefighters want and need. I am heavily focusing on the health and wellness of the firefighters so they can continue to serve the community.

How did you get connected to your industry?

I have been a nurse for the last 10 years. I worked as a nurse in the emergency department before this job, and an old co-worker of mine, who is now a firefighter, called me one day and informed me of this job. This was my first and only nurse practitioner job I applied for and was blessed enough to be chosen!

Describe your workplace in three words.

Serving, rewarding, supportive.

What is something someone might be surprised to learn about you?

I am keeping my registered nurse license, and I work as a nurse in an emergency department on some weekends and evenings. My primary focus is my job at Sioux Falls Fire as a fire medical officer, but I really enjoy my work as a nurse in the ED, and I love serving the community that way.

What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?

One way I love giving back to the community is through serving the residents of the community in the emergency department. Aside from that, I really enjoy supporting the local businesses. I enjoy walking downtown and finding local businesses there. The Downtown Burger Battle is a national holiday in our household. 😊

What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

This one is a common answer, but Trader Joe’s!

If you had $1 million to start a business, what kind of business would it be?

This is the hardest question for me to answer. I would have to say something that involves animals and coffee and something family-oriented that would be fun for all ages. I can’t narrow that idea down any more, but that would be the concept of it!