History
THE BEGINNING - 1962
Ringgold Area Volunteer Fire Company was chartered on January 5, 1962. The original charter members include: Wayne C. Himes, Laird Powell, Keith Snyder, Al McKee, Don Guillung, Jr., William Snyder, Duane Caylor, Harry Caylor and Bernard Stanford.
"The purpose ... is the protection of all kinds of property from loss by fire in the vicinity of Ringgold, Pennsylvania..." (from the original articles of incorporation)
The fire company's original fire truck was a 1942 Pumper originally owned by the Big Run Fire Company. This truck was first housed in the Ringgold Township building. Members were alerted via phone chain and an siren placed on Caylor's Garage in Ringgold. A tanker was added around 1963 and it was housed in Mottern's garage in Sprankle Mills.
The fire company built it's first fire hall late in 1963. The location of this building was between the church and the store on Route 536. The hall was build by the members volunteering their time and the community donated the funds to accomplish the task.
Mid 60's to Mid 70's
In the late 60's, the company purchased it's first "new" fire truck. A 1000 gallon tanker fabricated locally and mounted on a new Ford chassis to replace the original tanker. In 1971, the company was able to acquire funds to purchase a new John Bean 4x4 Ford pumper. This truck was able to pump 500gpm and had a 500 gallon tank.
Mid 70's - Mid 80's
In 1976, the fire company was donated property and raised funds to construct a new fire hall south east of the ball diamond in Ringgold. The facility included a basketball gym, meeting room, kitchen, office and 3 bay truck area. Outside, over the years, the community has donated a large pavilion for reunions and picnics as well as a play ground.
In 1983, the fire company added medical quick response services and emergency van to it's capabilities.
