DEPARTMENT HISTORY

The Rifle Fire Department was first organized in 1907. An abridged history has been compiled by Elaine Langstaff

5/03/1902 – The town of Rifle experience a devastating fire.

5/09/1902 – The Rifle Reveille reported, “Half of the Rifle business section is destroyed.” “Talk about an experienced fire department. You should have seen the boys scale the Rifle house,” as reported in the Rifle Telegram -  4/22/1937

3/16/1907 – The Rifle Fire Department was organized, including 6 officers and 17 chartermembers. The first chief was Thad Harp whose son, Harry Harp, later became chief in 1937.

Officers: Thad Harp – Chief Louis Brown – Assistant Chief K.O. Hutchings – Foreman D.E. Eakins – Assistant Foreman J.R. Munro – Secretary Louis Hoffmeister – Treasurer
Charter Members:    Al AmmermanR.B. - Hutchings Charles Austin - Glen Helm - Claude Reese R.J. Smith - Bert Brenton -  Robert Brenton -  Ernest Cherest -  DeWitt Goodrich.

5/02/1907 – 1st Rifle Fire Department Dance. An original copy of an invitation is in Room A of Station 1. 11/4/1907 – Our first roll call book spans from 1907 through 1938.

1910-1930 – Ola & Fred Garrison took professional photos for the fire department.
Hense the many photos of our past Chiefs, also viewable in room A of Station 1.

5/14/1920 – The Rifle Volunteer Fire Department joins the State Firemen’s Association.

8/06/1920 – By unanimous vote it was decided to hold a banquet and smoker.

8/1924    – A motion was made to obtain a fire engine.

9/09/1928 – “Firemen get Bunker Suits, what well dressed firemen will wear” 10/1/1928 – The Rifle Telegram reports, “Rotary Fire Pump Received in Rifle.” Built by American LaFrance, this pumper featured rotary gears.

11/8/1934 – Rifle Chamber of Commerce establishes volunteers to respond to County Fires.

7/16/1937 – The 1st Chief of Rifle Fire Department, Thad Harp, Dies.

1/6/1938 – The American Red Cross donated 1st aid equipment to Rifle Fire. Also the first respitory protection devices, gas masks, were purchased. The Chief was quoted saying, “If conditions are too dangerous for one person we’ll get two masks. That way no one goes in alone.” This must have been around the beginnings of the two in, two out rule.

7/07/1938 – Rifle Fire implements a new standard for meetings. Those attending are awarded one dollar, while those absent are fined one dollar. It was also noted that at the time there were only 20 members and a $250 fund should be should be sufficient to uphold this standard.

6/22/1944 – 400 feet of hose, appliances and other equipment were ordered to help fight rural fires.

1/16/1947 – Rifle Fire Department purchased a new fire truck. It was a 1944 4 wheel drive Chevrolet which carried 300 gallons of water.

6/05/1947 – The Rural Fire Association joins the City Firemen to form Rifle Volunteer Fire Department.

3/11/1948 – A new and louder fire siren is installed on top of City Hall.

5/15/1948 – Rifle Volunteer Fire Department assists Glenwood Springs in a “Big Fire.”

10/4/1976 – Rifle Fire Protection District was established. Prior to 1976 the fire Department was city owned and those outside city limits made a “donation”
for response.

2/23/1977 – Wes Downey submits and article to the local newspaper on history of fire Chiefs.

1979 – Rifle Fire bought the Don Ward building and the City of Rifle contributed $25,000.

9/1986 – First woman voted on the Rifle Volunteer Fire Department – Elaine Langstaff.

6/16/1987 – Rifle Village South has a big fire and water supply was lost. Water supply was eventually reestablished and the fire was extinguished.

10/1991 – The first full time employee was hire. That employee was Mike Morgan, our current Chief. He was originally hired as a fire marshal and was promoted to Chief in 1998.

1994 – The first full time administrative assistant Roxaine Sykes was hired. Currently doing an outstanding job of fulfilling that roll is Connie Guerette daughter of the 1966 Chief Dick Dorrel.

11/13/1993 – A bond was issued and Station 1 was completed 3/1996. 1999 – Construction began on Station 2, the Airport Station. We also hired part-time firefighters staffed at 1 per day on a 12 hour shift from 6pm to 6am. They were Matt Mollenkamp, Pete Bradshaw and Carl Warren. These employees were later switched to a 15hr shift.

2000 - After a study of call severity and response times by Chief Morgan, the 24 hour shift modified Kelly schedule was adopted.

2001 – Rifle Fire Protection District moved to two full time employees per shift.

2/2005 – the addition was made to Station 1.

2006 – Rifle Fire hired an additional 2 full-time employees per shift bringing minimum staffing to 4 per shift. Also hired at that time were two Training/ Administration assistants. Presently

8/25/2007- Rifle Fire Protection District is staffed by 18 career staff and approximately 43 volunteers. We are quickly growing and expect to add an additional 3 career staff and implement a “reserve” part-time firefighter-emt component by years end.

Thank you for a great 100 years! Rifle Fire Protection District has greatly appreciated your support & serving you!

Facts gathered by Elaine Langstaff