RVFDRS History
Fire Suppression
In the late 1960’s tragedy struck a family in Richardsville; a fire in their home cost them their lives. That was the impetus for the formation of RVFDRS on June 20, 1970. At that time Brandy Station VFD and Culpeper County VFD were the closest fire departments. With a drive time from town being at least 20-30 minutes, it was imperative to have a “first line of defense” for emergencies in our area.
RVFDRS’ first fire apparatus was a 1949 Mack truck with a 750 gallon per minute pump donated from Silver Hill, MD, Fire Department in March of 1971.
Emergency Medicine
Neighbors who needed medical attention had to wait for the Funeral Home in Culpeper or the doctor who came to their home for treatment. The women in the community took the lead to earn the startup money required by holding bake sales and public dances.
RVFDRS’ first rescue apparatus was a 1968 Cadillac Miller-Meteor Ambulance/Limo, donated by Kentland Volunteer Fire Department in Landover, MD, in October of 1971.
Station 6
Station 6
The organization is housed in what was once the Richardsville Community Center built in 1951 with the land donated by Carl Eley. Carl Eley was a charter member of Richardsville being one of the first members present at the department’s first meeting June 20th 1970. He was instrumental in this fire department being established. When you read through the meeting minutes from the 1970s, you get a sense of why this department is different from other departments. This is a small community of families whose sole desire was to serve each other and their community in any way they could, especially during emergencies. This department has always been family-oriented and service-oriented.
Several building additions have been added over the years to accommodate the increasing number of apparatus and equipment.