Serving
The Rifle Camp Fire Company #3 nicknamed
the "Ridge Runners" came into being in 1922 as a
result of the foresight and hard work of a group of outstanding West Paterson
residents, who realized a need for a third fire company.
The first meeting of this group was held
in June 1922. The Passaic Valley Hose Co. #2 of
October 1922 was a big month in the
history of the Rifle Camp Fire Company. In this month the incorporation
papers were filed and the fire engine was received from the Passaic Valley Hose
Company. At this point Cassons’ Barn was selected to house the equipment.
This was approximately one half mile from the present site of the firehouse.
Engine 3 responding in
the 1920’s
In April 1923 a deed was secured for a new
firehouse from the Zurcher family. In May of the same year, construction
of the new firehouse began. Selling bonds to interested parties derived
funds for the building. With the fire
engine from Company #2 and the first requisition from the Borough, two pairs of
boots, two rubber coats, one ax, two lanterns, and four five-gallon Indian
Tanks were obtained giving our company its start. In the early days of the fire company, the
borough council purchased a new REO Hose Wagon.
Engine Company 3’s REO
Hose Wagon
Engine 3’s 1940 GMC
Engine in the 1940’s
This unit was replaced in 1940 with a GMC
Pumper, with a 500 GPM pump and 200-gallon tank. During the year 1956, Company
#3 started a building fund drive for an addition to the firehouse and
renovation of the hall to make it one of the nicest in the area for its
time. This was done by soliciting contributions, conducting picnics,
dances, and other social affairs.
In February 1958 a new FWD Pumper with a
750 GPM / 3 stage high-pressure pump and a 500 Gallon Tank, was placed in
service. At this time our 1940 GMC was made the second in line engine
designated Engine 6.
Engine 3 – 1957 FWD
Pumper
Then in 1967 a new apparatus was purchased
for company #3. The 1967 FWD Tanker, with a 750 GPM Pump, and
1,000-gallon tank replaced the 1958 FWD Pumper. The '40 GMC was replaced
with the 1958 FWD Pumper with a 750 GPM / 3 stage high-pressure pump and a 500
Gallon Tank becoming Engine 6.
Engine 3 – 1967 FWD
Tanker
This apparatus remained in service until
1982 when a Hahn white over red Pumper with a 1250 GPM pump and a 500-gallon
tank was placed in service and designated Engine 3. The 1967 FWD was
refurbished to resemble the Hahn and ran as Engine 6. Also, at this time
the booster tank was reduced to 700 gallons.
Engine 6 – 1982 Hahn
Pumper
Two other noteworthy acquisitions of this
fire company are:
A 1954 GMC, 750 GPM, 250-gallon Pumper.
(Ex Little Falls Engine #2) Restored and
is running as Engine #9.
Engine 9 at our local
feeding grounds
A 1952 Dodge Military M37 Truck Chassis,
which was donated to this company in 1985 and outfitted with a custom body and
pump 80 GPM 150 gallons extensively, used for fighting brush fires. It
ran for 9 years as Unit 3 and was retired from service in 1991.
Unit 3 responding in
the 1980’s
After being sold to Little Falls Fire
Department, the 1941 GMC Pumper, was brought back home in 1982 and has undergone
a complete frame up, award winning restoration completed in June 2000.
In November of 1997 The Ridge Runners,
Rifle Camp Fire Company 3 celebrated it’s 75th Anniversary of
serving the residents of
Engine 12 after the
“frame-up” restoration in 2000
In August of 2001 Rifle Camp Fire Company
3 took delivery of a new Pierce Lance Pumper designated Engine 3. It is
equipped with a ten-man cab, a 2000 GPM pump and carries 500 gallons of water.
The 1967 FWD was retired and the 1982 Hahn, which will be re-furbished, is
operating as Engine 6.
Engine 3 at the Pierce Factory
With
a recent renovation of our bays, and new apparatus in the fire station,
In
2006 we added a new Unit 3 to our fleet
Rifle Camp Fire Company 3
“The Ridge Runners “
Is ready to serve and protect