What does a Sioux Falls Superhero actually do? More than you might think

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - What if your neighborhood had its own superhero?

In Sioux Falls, one man took on that role, not to fight villains, but to help people, support his community, and keep an eye out for those who needed it.

“Hey everybody, this is Savior, leader of The Heroic Society of Sioux Falls, South Dakota,” he said in a video posted online.

There is no signal in the sky, secret lair, or superpowers needed in Savior’s definition of a superhero. He believes anyone who contributes to their community’s safety and well-being is a hero.

“When I was a kid, I was like really into superheroes at the time, and it made me gain a passion on like caring and helping out for others,” he said.

Savior said his work was about helping people, but he drew a clear line between his community service and vigilantism.

“Cause a vigilante is somebody that goes out and does good, but breaks the law while doing it versus where, that’s where my line is like I don’t break the law whatsoever,” he said.

His work included neighborhood patrols, community events and helping people who needed supplies.

He also participated in community service projects, including picking up litter, and said he hoped to expand those efforts in the future.

The mask and armor are part of the persona, and may draw a person’s attention first.

“I wanted something that’s like useful and protective, so I added in these spikes that’s supposed to be, like, punching deterrents,” he said.

But Savior said the mission behind his uniform was more important.

“I’m really just hoping to help out in any way that I can, and I think that’s something everyone should ask themselves, like, how can I be a helpful hand?” he said.

He is not alone in that mission.

Savior worked alongside volunteers who brought their own experiences and community causes to the effort.

Boots Among Trees, a frequent volunteer in Sioux Falls, recalled an incident when she and Savior encountered a man who needed medical attention.

“We both went over to this gentleman needing assistance, and a lot of people in the park were assuming that he had been drinking,” Boots Among Trees said. “Savior tested his oxygen saturation, and it was low enough that he needed to be transported to a hospital.”

Craig Brown, an Indivisible 605 board member, said he saw value in having someone like Savior involved in the community.

“Why not have a superhero amongst them, right?” Brown said. “Again, we could all use a superhero in our lives so we’ve got one and we consider ourselves lucky.”

Savior encouraged others to look for their own opportunities to help, regardless of whether they wear a mask or armor.

But there is one thing even a superhero should not replace.

When someone is in danger, or there is an emergency, law enforcement and Savior said people should call 911 first rather than relying on community patrols or volunteers.

Savior said his goal was to continue helping the place he called home.

I’m going to be out here like doing everything and everything I can for the community, and you know, I love you guys," he said. “This is my home, and I’m going to do everything I can to protect it and help out.”