Rifton Fire Department

06/12/2026

Due to drought conditions in our area, the Rifton Fire Department is temporarily unable to fill swimming pools.

After our most recent pool fill, we experienced difficulty replenishing the water supply on our apparatus and must prioritize maintaining adequate water resources for emergency response and fire protection within our community.

We understand this may be an inconvenience and sincerely apologize. The safety of our residents and the readiness of our emergency equipment must remain our top priority.

We will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as they become available. Thank you for your understanding, patience, and support.
RFD 49

06/07/2026

What a day for the members of the Rifton Fire Department.
In a span of just 3 hours, our volunteers responded to 17 emergency calls involving trees down and trees on wires throughout our district. Thanks to the tremendous teamwork of our members and the assistance of our mutual aid partners at Saint Remy Volunteer Fire Department every roadway hazard was addressed, roads were reopened, and all incidents were handled safely and efficiently.
We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to Central Hudson for their rapid response and coordination throughout the event. Their partnership was instrumental in helping restore safe conditions as quickly as possible.
Days like this showcase the dedication of our volunteers, who drop everything to answer the call when our community needs us most.
Thank you to every firefighter, officer, dispatcher, and utility worker who played a role in managing this busy storm response. Your commitment, professionalism, and teamwork made all the difference.

05/31/2026

Congratulations to Rifton’s own Max Boughton and Alyssa Villielm on successfully completing the EMT course! Your hard work, dedication, and commitment have paid off. Best of luck as you move on to the New York State exam.

Congratulations as well to the entire graduating class on this outstanding accomplishment. We wish each of you continued success as you begin your journey in emergency medical services

05/31/2026

We had such a great time with the littles. Fun and games. Great food and great people.

05/25/2026

We remember those who lost their lives.

by John McCrae, May 1915

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

05/25/2026

05/25/2026

Today let’s take a moment to remember what tomorrow is all about. Let’s pause to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in our nation’s armed forces.
As first responders, we understand the weight of service and the profound cost of protecting our community and our country. We remember the heroes who never came home, and we hold their families in our hearts always.
May we live our lives in a way that honors their legacy of courage and selflessness. On this Memorial Day and everyday….. we remember !!!!

05/20/2026

Congratulations Mike!

We want to give a huge shoutout to Ulster County 911 Dispatcher Michael Lange who retired today after 30 years of service! Michael represented Ulster County holding the identifier “56-30” for his entire career.

Michael also serves as a City of Kingston Firefighter/EMT and will continue to serve city residents faithfully as he has done for many of years! He is also the Assistant Chief of the Port Ewen Fire Department where he is an active volunteer, and a volunteer for the Town of Esopus Volunteer Ambulance.

Thank you for your service and dedication to the Ulster County Emergency Communications Center! You have made a difference over the last 30 years!! We wish you the best of luck of your next chapter Mike!

05/17/2026

During EMS Week, we proudly recognize the dedicated EMTs in the Rifton Fire Department who serve our community with compassion, courage, and commitment. Day or night, in moments of crisis and uncertainty, our EMTs answer the call — providing lifesaving care, comfort, and support to those who need it most. Their hard work, sacrifice, and dedication do not go unnoticed, and we are incredibly grateful for everything they do for our community.

We also want to recognize and thank all of the neighboring EMS agencies that work alongside us on calls every day. The teamwork, professionalism, and partnerships shared between agencies are what help keep our communities safe. Whether responding to emergencies, supporting one another on difficult scenes, or standing together during critical incidents, your collaboration and commitment truly make a difference.

From all of us at the Rifton Fire Department — thank you for your service, dedication, and continued partnership throughout our communities.

05/16/2026

The burn ban in our area has now been lifted, and outdoor burning is permitted again. While burning is allowed, we encourage everyone to remain mindful and use caution to help prevent accidental fires and unsafe conditions. Please remember that certain types of outdoor burning still require a burn permit. You can request one on our website by filling out the request under burn permits. Please avoid burning during windy or dry conditions, and never leave a fire unattended. Thank you for helping keep our community safe.

Serving the community since 7/23/1943 Serving the community since 7/23/1943 DONATE Click to support the Rifton Fire Department Come one and all. We have so much planned. Fun. Activities. Raffles with great prizes. Demonstrations from our Department as well as other first responders. Fun events for t...