..old beast was the mainstay...

Ripton , a little History . . .

Early in the 1970's, Theodore Conklin, and ex-fire Chief from Northport, Long island, retired to Ripton. When he arrived, the town's fire protection was based on a contract with Middlebury. He decided that Ripton needed a fire department of it's own, and set out to determine if there was enough interest. By 1976, a department was incorporated.

Mr. Conklin was able to talk his old department into donating used protective gear. He was also able to make a deal on a 1958 Bean high-pressure fog truck. This old beast was the mainstay of the department for many years.

Sadly, Mr. Conklin died in 1977. Leadership was passed to Ryder Smith, who lead the department until 1984. During his tenure, the department finished the fire house (with 100% volunteer labor), acquired another pumper from Middlebury and a tanker from the Forest Service. Ripton also purchased their first SCBA (self contained breathing apparatus) and protective turnout clothing.

Greg Todd took the reins as Chief in 1984, after Chief Smith retired and moved south. During Chief Todd's tenure, the department took many significant steps. With generous financial help from Middlebury College, the department added a new Class A Pumper, along with new protective clothing, pagers, and radios.

Ripton Fire Department joined the ACFA in 1988. see ref (1)

Ripton, 1997 . . .

Ripton is a very small community, having a limited population base from which to recruit firefighters. However, there seems to have always been enough support from the town, and with the help of other members of the ACFA, continues to provide basic fire suppression service.

Check back for more information and photographs to be added soon . . .

(1) Historical data from the booklet: '1944-1994 50th Anniversary, Addison County Firefighters Association, Inc.' and was edited for use on this page. The booklet was researched and prepared by: Herbert Jackson, Ray Davidson, Sheila Turpin. Credit also goes to those un-named individuals in departments who contributed to their effort. A copy of the booklet is available from: ACFA, Attn. Terry Farr, P.O. Box 92, Bristol, Vermont 05443. Cost $3 plus 1.50 postage.