"Big R"

The History of the Riverton Fire Department

The Riverton Volunteer Fire Department (RVFD) was officially organized in June 1906, with the introduction of a hand-pulled hose wagon. In 1909, the Department expanded its equipment, adding a chemical engine mounted on a hand cart, and later incorporating a ladder cart.

In September 1916, RVFD purchased its first motorized vehicle: a used Ford car. The chemical engine was transferred from the hand cart onto the car, creating Riverton’s first motorized fire engine. This vehicle pulled a trailer equipped with 700 feet of 1½-inch hose, nozzles, and axes.

By the late 1920s, the Department built its own Model A fire truck, and in 1937, it acquired a modern custom fire engine. This Howe Fire Engine featured a 500 GPM (gallons per minute) pump with dual ignition, mounted on a Diamond T chassis. This fire engine, decommissioned from frontline service in 1977, became Engine Co. #4 and is still maintained for parades and fire prevention activities.

In 1950, the Riverton Fire District was officially formed, encompassing a 10-mile radius around the City of Riverton and protecting approximately 22,000 people. Over the years, the District continued to upgrade its equipment. Notable acquisitions included:

• A 500 GPM Howe commercial fire engine and a rescue truck in 1950
• A 500 GPM Barton American commercial fire engine in 1956
• A 750 GPM Custom Howe Fire Engine in 1960

Current Equipment:

The Riverton Fire District is now equipped with state-of-the-art apparatus, operating from Fire Station #4 located at 404 South Broadway. Our fleet includes:

• Engine 8: 2000 GPM Rural Engine
• Engine 3: 1500 GPM City Engine
• Engine 2: 1000 GPM Rural/Urban Interface Engine
• Truck 10: 95-foot Aerial Platform/Ladder Truck, 1750 GPM
• Rescue 1: Custom Heavy Rescue Unit
• Tanker 7, Tanker 14, Tanker 21: Three Water Tenders, each with 1000-gallon capacity
• Swift Water Rescue Unit
• State Regional Response Team Unit: Full Hazmat capabilities
• Three Fire Command Units
• Support Command Unit

From its humble beginnings, the Riverton Fire Department has grown into a shining example of fire service in the American West. With a dedicated team of 40 firefighters responding to over 300 calls annually, RVFD stands as a department of distinction—proudly serving its community with professionalism and excellence.