by Theresa Dardanell
Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company
— Protectors of the Ridge —
In 1951, the Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company spent seven-and-a-half hours trying to save the Mt. Tabor Park “giant” wooden slide from a devastating fire. It was their first fire call since they were organized on May 9, 1949. Since that time, the company has responded to many calls in Rocky Ridge and has also provided mutual aid to other fire departments in the area.
Dennis Mathias, vice president of the company, has been a member since he was sixteen. He and Betty Ann Mumma, president of the Auxiliary, recently shared some of the company’s history. They both recalled the Christmas Day house fire in 1968. It was so cold that the water used to fight the fire created icicles that hung from the trees, the house, and the firefighter’s gear. They also had problems keeping the hoses from freezing that day. They recalled that 1960 was a quiet year; there were no fire calls at all that year. However, the company responded to 208 emergency calls in 2012.
The fire station was originally located on Longs Mill Road. It was relocated in 1966 and then moved to its current location on Motters Station Road in 1997. The first fire pumper, a 1931 Model A Ford, was purchased in 1951 from the Vigilant Hose Company. This pumper has been renovated and is now used for parades. Currently, the department has two pumpers, one engine tanker, two brush trucks to fight fuel and brush fires, and a special unit to carry medical supplies to give first aid until an ambulance arrives at the scene.
Today, the company has grown from the original 61 members to approximately 110 members. Thirty active members are the firefighters who respond to calls and fight fires. Anyone age sixteen and older can become a member and begin the training to become a firefighter. Social members help with the fundraising, which sustains the department. Junior members, ages ten to fifteen, help with fundraising, activities, and learn about the equipment.
Along with Dennis Mathias, Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company officers are: Dale Kline, Sr., President; Paulette Mathias, Secretary; Christina Hurley, Assistant Secretary; Bernard Wivell, Treasurer; Bonny Hurley, Assistant Treasurer; Rev. James Russell, Chaplain; Alan Hurley, Chief; Jim Rice, First Assistant Chief; Larry Humerick, Jr., Second Assistant Chief; Kevin Albaugh, Captain. Board of Directors members are Craig Hovermale; Steve Orndorff; Leon Stover, Jr.; Wesley Burrier; Ronnie Eyler; Charlie Riggs; and Ronnie Hahn.
Fundraising is a joint effort of the Fire Company and the auxiliary. The auxiliary provides the food for bingo, dinners, banquets, and the carnival. Fundraising events sponsored by the Fire Company include bingo, the annual carnival and parade, gun and meat raffles, a car show, a fund drive, and butchering. The carnival and bingo have been annual events since the 1950s. Some of the fundraising events held in previous years were turkey shoots, skating parties, card parties, auctions, and “donkey ball.” According to Dennis, donkey ball is a softball game with a twist. Instead of running the bases, the player jumps on a donkey and rides around the bases.
Some activities are just for fun. The annual Halloween party for the children is held at the fire hall. In December, Santa joins the firefighters on the fire engine to visit children in the community and deliver bags of treats.
The Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company is an all-volunteer company. Betty Ann Mumma said that they are fortunate to have dedicated people in the department and the auxiliary, who are “striving for the same thing, to be here for the community.” She said that the tremendous support from the community has sustained the department. With continued support, the Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company will be able to continue the mission: “Protecting the Lives and Property of the People in the Ridge and Vicinity.”
