Ridgefield is protected by full time career firefighters who are on duty around the clock. Backup is provided by the Ridgefield Volunteer Firefighters, off-duty career personnel and mutual aid from surrounding communities.
On duty firefighters staff two engines; one at Headquarters on Catoonah Street, the other at Station II in the Ridgebury district of town. One or both of these career-staffed engines respond to all fire calls in Ridgefield.
In the event of a structure fire, firefighters are trained to enter the burning structure, rescue trapped occupants, and make an aggressive attack on the fire. This results in the most rapid extinguishment of the fire, with the least amount of damage to the structure.
Ridgefield has two advanced life support ambulances in the Catoonah Street fire station. All career firefighters are trained Emergency Medical Technicians. Twelve are certified Paramedics with advanced life support training.
The Station II engine is equipped with emergency medical equipment, including a defibrillator, and responds to all EMS calls in the Ridgebury district and in town when needed. Fire Department EMTs and Paramedics are assisted by a Paramedic who is privately contracted by the town and responds in a special response vehicle. On the volunteer side, 3 members are EMTs and 10 are MRTs.
During times of emergency the town has come to depend on the Fire Department for help. For this reason both "full time" engines have been set up for rescue operations. They are equipped with the "Jaws of Life", water rescue equipment, oxygen, air bags, lights and a wide assortment of lifesaving tools.
In addition, firefighters have received specialized training in areas such as motor vehicle rescue, handling of hazardous materials, confined space and high angle rescue, cold water and ice rescue and much more. Again, many volunteers are similarly trained and respond with the career staff.
CPR classes are held at the Fire Department on a continuing basis. Beth Perlman, a certified American Heart Association instructor, teaches skills to administer CPR to adults, children and infants. It is not a professional rescuer class. The class meets two evenings from 7 PM - 10 PM in the second floor meeting room at Fire Headquarters, 6 Catoonah Street. Please call 438-1230 to register.