RFC FIREFIGHTER'S ASSOCIATION HISTORY

In the late 1970's, residents and property owners of Readmond and Friendship Townships were concerned about fire protection and the long response times to fires and emergencies from Harbor Springs. Realizing that saving lives and property required a prompt response, these men and women began to secure property for a fire station, funds to procure equipment, and people to become firefighters and rescue personnel.

 

The Good Hart Mini-Fair was born to support this cause and proceeds were used to purchase used equipment and to essentially start a fire department from scratch. Land was donated for the fire hall on Robinson Road and members and supporters built the building. Soon, Cross Village joined in and the Readmond-Friendship Cross Village Fire Department, now known as R.F.C. Fire-Rescue, was born.

 

Ten years after starting on Mini-Fair proceeds, using worn-out equipment and making ends meet on extremely limited funds; the first tax levy was passed by more than 95% of the voters. The growth of the area has required that the fire department grow as well. Currently, R.F.C. Fire-Rescue has 28 members operating 2 Class A fire engines, 3 large water tanker/pumper trucks, a brush fire rig, 2 rescue trucks, and a snowmobile/rescue sled. With four fire stations located throughout the three  township area, all residents are now within five miles of a fire station.

 

Today, the Fire Department is a progressive, dynamic organization, changing and growing to meet the increasing demands placed upon it. Major construction, increasing year-round residents as well as year-round visitors create increasing responsibility upon safety services. Local, State, and Federal requirements also place regulatory demands upon the Fire Department that we are ready and willing to meet.

Response volume continues to increase annually. R.F.C. Fire-Rescue responded to 113 fire or emergency calls in 2003 within the three township area we serve.