Ripley Volunteer Fire Department

05/24/2026

⚠️ FLOOD WATCH ALERT ⚠️

A Flood Watch has been issued for our area. With heavy rainfall expected, residents are encouraged to stay alert and use caution throughout the next several hours.

Please remember:
• Never drive through flooded roadways — “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
• Be alert for rapidly rising creeks and streams.
• Secure outdoor items and monitor weather updates.
• Avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain.
• Keep phones charged in case of power outages or emergency notifications.

Ripley Volunteer Fire Department personnel will continue to monitor conditions and respond as needed. If you experience an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Stay safe and continue to monitor local weather forecasts and emergency alerts.

05/13/2026

Yesterday, your Ripley Volunteer Fire Department members trained on rope rescue operations. A scenario was given, and members responded accordingly. Our members are constantly training to perfect our skills to better serve the community!

04/26/2026

It would be my honor to have your vote for Mayor of Ripley!

03/26/2026

Here's one of my answers to a question that I was asked by the Jackson County newspaper.
--
What is your plan to support all our small businesses, especially in the downtown, while also balancing people’s desire for more chain stores/restaurants in our area?

03/21/2026

This morning, crews were out at the local tennis courts getting them ready for the upcoming season. Our team took the time to spray off and clean the courts to help ensure a clean and enjoyable space for the community.

We’re always proud to support our town—whether it’s responding to emergencies or helping keep our public spaces in top shape.

03/01/2026

02/27/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CbgY6KtcM/?mibextid=wwXIfr

The start of West Virginia’s annual spring fire season on Sunday, March 1, marks the return of burning restrictions.

The West Virginia Division of Forestry (WV DOF) reminds residents to confine outdoor burning to 5 p.m. to 7 a.m., according to West Virginia State Code Chapter 20-3-5. Fires set during that time must be put out before 7 a.m.

Read More: https://bit.ly/3OMyZlF

02/20/2026

Station 30 crews are returning to Ripley following two calls. First, they assisted a neighboring department for a brush fire. As units were clearing the brush fire, a structure fire was dispatched in the city of Ravenswood. Station 30 was requested to respond and assist. Station 20 members were able to quickly control the spread of the fire. Station 30 assisted with ventilation of the residence.

01/10/2026


The Ripley Volunteer Fire Department has received reports that individuals have been going door to door in the Ripley area claiming to install smoke detectors and stating that their actions would benefit the fire department.

The Ripley Volunteer Fire Department would like to clearly state that these individuals are not members of the department and are not authorized to represent or act on behalf of Ripley VFD.

At this time, the Ripley Volunteer Fire Department is not conducting any door-to-door smoke detector installation program, nor has it authorized any third party to do so. Department members do not solicit services, donations, or installations by going door to door.

When the Ripley Volunteer Fire Department conducts community outreach or public safety initiatives, those efforts are carried out in an official capacity, with personnel clearly identified and typically accompanied by a marked fire department apparatus.

Residents are advised that unless a Ripley Volunteer Fire Department fire truck is present and personnel are clearly identified, the individuals should not be assumed to be affiliated with the department.

Community members who encounter individuals claiming to represent the Ripley Volunteer Fire Department under these circumstances are encouraged to:
• Decline services
• Avoid sharing personal information
• Contact local law enforcement if they feel unsafe or believe suspicious activity is occurring

The Ripley Volunteer Fire Department appreciates the community’s cooperation and vigilance in helping protect residents and prevent potential scams or misrepresentation.

For accurate information regarding official Ripley Volunteer Fire Department programs or initiatives, residents are encouraged to contact the department directly or follow its official communication channels.

01/02/2026

🚨 2026 Officer Lineup Announcement 🚨

The Ripley Volunteer Fire Department is proud to officially announce our 2026 Officer Lineup. These individuals have accepted the responsibility of leadership and continue to dedicate countless hours to protecting our community, supporting our members, and ensuring the department moves forward with professionalism and pride.

Chief: Jonathan Mitchell
Deputy Chief: Ritchie Gobble
Captain: Chuck Hitt
Lieutenant: Austin Young
Lieutenant: Cody Walters

Serving as an officer in a volunteer fire department is far more than holding a title. These positions require long hours, late-night calls, training nights, meetings, paperwork, planning, and decision-making, often done quietly and without recognition. These men balance full-time jobs, family responsibilities, and personal commitments while still answering the call when our community needs help.

Our officers are responsible for training and mentoring members, maintaining operational readiness, ensuring firefighter safety, overseeing equipment and apparatus, and making critical decisions under pressure. They lead by example—on the fireground, in training, and in day-to-day operations—setting the standard for professionalism, accountability, and teamwork.

Leadership in the fire service is not always easy. It comes with tough decisions, added stress, and personal sacrifice. Yet these officers step forward because they believe in this department, its members, and the community we serve. Their commitment helps ensure Ripley VFD remains strong, prepared, and ready to serve today and into the future.

Please join us in congratulating and thanking our 2026 officers for their dedication, leadership, and willingness to serve. We are proud of this team and confident in the direction they will lead Ripley Volunteer Fire Department.

Pride. Service. Commitment.

12/24/2025

Mr. & Mrs. Claus are heading back to the North Pole! Thank you for coming out! 🎅🏻🤶🏻