‘The Guardians’ volunteer-based group offers a helping hand to Pine Ridge Reservation

The Guardians currently has eight volunteers.
Published: Mar. 1, 2024 at 9:08 PM EST

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) - A group based in the Pine Ridge Reservation area helps alleviate some frustrations if you end up with car issues.

The Guardians, a volunteer-based group, helps with emergency roadside assistance for free, however, they do take donations for their service if you can provide it.

The group mainly focuses on the Pine Ridge Reservation, but sometimes they can accommodate areas off the reservation.

The Guardians started back in 2012 when Jerrold Mesteth had car trouble, and no one stopped to help him.

“Well, it started when I was getting off of work, it was pretty cold out and my car overheated. I was by Wounded Knee on the side of the road, and nobody stopped for me, nobody helped, and it got me frustrated, that’s what started it all,” said Jerrold Mesteth, creator of The Guardians.

In addition to helping with lockouts, gas, and jumping cars, they also help elders with getting a ride to town to get supplies.

For more information on The Guardians, you can click here.