OUR DEPARTMENT

The Richland Fire Department, also known as the Richland Center Fire Department (RCFD), is a paid on-call volunteer unit with 50 members, including seven line officers and the chief. Serving the City of Richland Center, one incorporated village, and parts of twelve townships within Richland County, the RCFD covers a vast 310 square miles. All fire equipment is stationed in a single facility located in Richland Center, WI, the county’s hub. The department’s extensive reach, extending to the county line in two directions, ranks it among Wisconsin’s largest first-response service areas for both volunteer and full-time fire departments.

The Richland Fire Department, serving as a critical safety net, encompasses a diverse array of facilities within its jurisdiction. This includes fifteen educational institutions, thirteen government buildings, a four-story hospital-clinic complex. The department’s care extends to residential areas, safeguarding twelve buildings that house over 370 apartments, predominantly occupied by the elderly and disabled.

Spanning a vast network, the department is responsible for approximately 615 miles of thoroughfares, ranging from city streets to federal highways, and oversees the safety of the Richland Center Municipal Airport. The area boasts a population of roughly 11,500 residents, with just over 5,000 residing in the City of Richland Center itself.

Historically, the department underwent a significant transformation in 2004. Previously operated as a city-run entity with a separate rural district, the two merged to form the unified Richland Fire Department. This consolidation brought together resources and personnel under a single governing board, composed of city council and rural township board members. This board convenes regularly, ensuring the department’s operations align with community needs.

The department is renowned for its robust response rate, averaging 120 calls annually and maintaining mutual aid agreements with seven neighboring fire departments. A testament to its efficiency, the department achieved a Class 3 rating from the Insurance Services Office (ISO) in 2009, reflecting its commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.

In terms of capabilities, the department boasts a comprehensive fleet of apparatuses. This includes two engines, an engine/tender with a formidable 3750 gallons per minute pump capacity, and a 100-foot aerial platform equipped with a 2000 gallon per minute pump. The fleet is further complemented by two specialized rescue trucks, one outfitted with the Jaws of Life for extrication purposes and hazardous material responses, and the other designed for firefighter transport and incident command operations. Both vehicles are equipped with 18,000 watts of scene lighting for nighttime emergencies and mobile systems for refilling air packs on-site.

For rural responses, the department utilizes three tankers with a combined water capacity of 6800 gallons, expandable to 7600 gallons with engine support. A utility pickup truck with portable pumps stands ready to replenish these tankers from natural water sources during extended operations. The department’s off-road capabilities are bolstered by two four-wheel drive grass trucks and a Polaris 6×6 ATV, ensuring rapid response across varied terrains.

Preserving its heritage, the department cherishes “Old Number 1”, a 1941 Ford open cab pumper, meticulously restored and now serving as a symbol of pride during parades and special events. Additionally, the department houses a historical hand-drawn hose cart, displayed as a homage to firefighting’s rich legacy.

Equipped with five thermal imaging cameras, the department stands at the forefront of technology, enhancing its search and rescue operations. The community is invited to engage with the department through an annual open house, fostering transparency and trust between the firefighters and those they protect.

Fire Safety and Emergency Services at RCFD

The Richland Center Fire Department (RCFD) plays a crucial role in ensuring public safety and compliance with building codes. With two dedicated fire inspectors, we meticulously inspect commercial buildings to identify safety hazards and code violations.

Our department holds training meetings twice a month, specifically on the 1st and 3rd Mondays. During these sessions, department members are assigned to “Duty Crew” duty. The firefighters are divided into three crews—A, B, and C—each with an equal number of members. Additionally, two line officers rotate assignments among the duty crews.

When incidents occur that don’t require a full department response, the duty crew is promptly paged. This includes handling vehicle crashes and other emergencies. Firefighters serve on their respective crews for two to three-week rotations, ensuring a well-coordinated and efficient response.

Officers have additional meetings on the 2nd and 4th Mondays, where they discuss department operations and strategic planning. Meanwhile, our Explorer group actively engages younger community members interested in the fire service. Many participants in this program have gone on to pursue careers in fire or emergency services.

Notably, several former members of our department have achieved significant success. Three became full-time paramedics, one serves as a Lieutenant in a full-time fire department, another manages an emergency department at a hospital, and yet another instructs at an emergency service training academy.

Our overarching goal is to provide exceptional fire protection and rescue services to both residents within our response area and travelers passing through. We invite you to explore our website and learn more about the RCFD. Feel free to reach out to us for further information.