Ridgely Volunteer
Fire Department
8 W 1st Street
P.O. Box 425
Ridgely, MD 21660
410-634-2424 (Station)
The Ridgely Volunteer Fire Department was organized in 1905, one year after the town’s water works were installed and only nine years after the town was incorporated. This was the period of “foot-powered” hose carts, when the wail of the basket factory whistle would alert the firemen throughout the town and bring them on the run, pulling the carts behind them. With the brand new water pipes, the system pressure was good and considerable water could be thrown without the use of pumps. The Company was incorporated in 1926 when the 1st fire engine was purchased. A Ladies Auxiliary was organized around 1948 and has proved to be a great asset to the Company.
In 2006, The Ridgely Volunteer Fire Department celebrated its 100th Anniversary.
Currently the Department operates Two Engine Companies comprised of a Shuttle Tanker, a Brush Truck, a Command Vehicle, an ALS equipped ambulance, a Utility Vehicle and a Canteen Vehicle operated by the Ladies Auxiliary. The Ridgely Volunteer Fire Department handles calls for the Town of Ridgely and unincorporated areas in close proximity to the town. The Department also has Mutual Aid Agreements with Greensboro, Queen Anne/Hillsboro, Denton, Goldsboro and other towns in Caroline, Talbot, and Queen Anne’s Counties.
In 2002 the Department replaced a 1972 Shuttle Tanker and a 1986 Engine with a 2002 International/Ferrara Tanker and a 2002 Spartan/Ferrara Engine. The total project cost was $350,000.00 for both pieces of much-needed equipment.
At present, the Department is housed in the original building which was constructed in 1930. Since then, the fire house has been enlarged with the addition of a large hall which is used for suppers, banquets, dances and bingo as well as housing some of the equipment. Several years ago the Department purchased land on the corner of Sunset Boulevard and 1st Street, and is currently looking for funds to build a new Station to carry the Department through the next 100 years. Any person or organization wishing to make a tax-deductible donation to our New Station Building Fund may do so by mail or in person. All donations received for the New Station Building Fund will be placed in an account specifically designated for the New Station Project.
Volunteers are always needed. Free Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Medical Training are just a few of the benefits volunteers receive as well as tax incentives for active members. If interested please e-mail the Chief or President with your name and contact information so an application can be sent to you. Please feel free to stop by and talk with some of the members if you are not sure about joining or contact the Chief or President for a meeting with our Membership Committee.
The line officers of 2010 for RVFD have been announced. Congratulations to all that have been reappointed and newly promoted.
Fire Chief: Bobby Utz (415)
Deputy Fire Chief: Wayne Winchester (416)
Assistant Fire Chief: Eric Kellner (417)
Captain (418): Alex Marvel
Captain (419): Tim Gunderson
Captain (420): Rick Baker
Lieutenant (421): Steve Frankton
Lieutenant (422): John Gott
Safety Officer (423): Lou Hayes
Chief Engineer (424): George Cohey
Asst. Engineer: Craig Roller
Fund Raising Updates
Annual Golf Tournament
Annual Motorcycle Awareness Day
Note from the Chief:
Always have a fire escape plan and practice with your family and remember to change your smoke alarm batteries in the Spring with the advent of Daylight Savings Time and again when it reverts to Standard Time in the Fall.