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Wlaf1450Ridgewood Volunteer Fire Department marks 40 years of service to South Campbell County
A NOTE FROM THE GRAND ON CENTRAL: “There is so much good going on in our community, and I want to share all this good with you every Monday here on WLAF in hopes that you will start your week in a grand way making each week a Grand Week,” said Olivia Lobertini, owner of The Grand on Central.
RIDGEWOOD, TN (WLAF)- Funds from a Tennessee Volunteer Fire Equipment and Training grant have already been invested by the Ridgewood Volunteer Fire Department, ready to provide critical services. to its communities. The RVFD, marking 40 years after being established in 1986, is one of 235 volunteer fire departments across Tennessee.
“We received $9,954 in grant dollars from the Tennessee Volunteer Fire Equipment and Training Grant, and we purchased 1,800 feet of 1.75″ (in diameter) attack hose and eight nozzles,” said RVFD Chief Joseph Roach.
The RVFD serves more than 20 square miles covering two marinas, six miles, in total, of I-75 along with the communities of Ridgewood, Oak Grove, Cherry Bottom and Norris.
“With the grant, we replaced brass nozzles manufactured in the 1980’s and hose that was beyond its time of usability,” said Chief Roach.
RVFD’s current roster includes nine active firefighters. Equipment includes two engines, one tender (water tanker) and one brush truck, according to Chief Roach.
Answering calls on the interstate is a challenge at times. When needed on the northbound side, RVFD firefighters drive from their firehouse on Highway 116 near the former Ridgewood School to Rocky Top and enter I-75 there. To get to an emergency on the southbound side of I-75, they travel to Caryville and then head south from there.
“We are grateful for these types of grants that allow us to keep our firefighters safer and continue to evolve and do better for our community,” said Chief Roach.
A NOTE FROM THE GRAND ON CENTRAL: “There is so much good going on in our community, and I want to share all this good with you every Monday here on WLAF in hopes that you will start your week in a grand way making each week a Grand Week,” said Olivia Lobertini, owner of The Grand on Central.
For bookings, email Olivia Lobertini at ohlobertini03@gmail.com. Check on avails HERE. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-05/04/2026-6AM-PHOTOS SUBMITTED)