Ripon Consolidated Fire District

06/07/2026

Water Rescue at Caswell Memorial State Park

Today a little after 4:00 PM, Ripon Fire District responded to a water rescue at Caswell Memorial State Park involving three individuals on inflatable donut-style rafts who became stranded in the river and were holding onto a tree branch after being unable to make it back to shore.

Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office Air 101 located the subjects, Boat 2-1 was launched and quickly reached the victims. Crews safely rescued all three individuals and brought them back to shore. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and all three subjects declined medical evaluation and treatment.

Ripon Fire District would like to thank Manteca Fire Department, Modesto Fire Department, and Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Protection District for responding with personnel and equipment to assist.

This is the second water rescue involving stranded river users that Ripon Fire District has responded to within the past week. Like the victims from the previous rescue, none of the individuals involved in today’s incident were wearing life jackets.

The Stanislaus River is currently flowing swiftly, and conditions can change rapidly. Strong currents, cold water, and submerged hazards can quickly turn a recreational outing into an emergency. A properly fitted life jacket remains one of the most effective ways to prevent a tragedy on the water.

If you plan to spend time on the river this summer, wear a life jacket, stay aware of changing conditions, and always have a plan to safely return to shore.

06/05/2026

🐥 Duckling Rescue 🐥

Earlier this week, Ripon Fire District responded to a report of several ducklings trapped in a storm drain.

Upon arrival, firefighters, alongside officers from the Ripon Police Department, located seven ducklings that were unable to get out on their own. Working together, crews carefully removed them from the storm drain safely.

No mother duck was located in the area, so the ducklings were transferred to wildlife professionals who could provide the care and attention they need.

While our primary mission is responding to emergencies, we’re always glad to assist when our community’s smallest residents need a helping hand.

🦆❤️

06/03/2026

Yesterday at approximately 4:00 PM, Ripon Fire District was dispatched to reports of three people in the Stanislaus River near Stouffer Park, including a 3 year old child.

Ripon Fire responded with Boat 2-1 and our ambulance, while Salida Fire, Modesto Fire, and Stanislaus Consolidated Fire also responded with water rescue resources.

Upon arrival, Boat 2-1 entered the water and began searching upstream. Crews entered the water and quickly located the subjects and secured them until Boat 2-1 arrived and safely returned them to shore. All three individuals were evaluated by medical personnel and were uninjured.

This incident is an important reminder that the Stanislaus River can be extremely dangerous. At the time of the rescue, river flows were approximately 1,554 cubic feet per second and was 59 degrees. Fast-moving water, strong currents, and unseen hazards can quickly turn a day of recreation into an emergency.

None of the individuals involved were wearing life jackets. Ripon Fire District strongly encourages everyone, especially children, to wear a properly fitted personal flotation device when near or on the water.

We thank our mutual aid partners from Fire District , Modesto Fire Department, and Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Protection District for their assistance and teamwork in bringing this incident to a safe conclusion.

Stay safe, supervise children closely, and always wear a life jacket.

06/02/2026

Reminder tomorrow night is our Town Hall meeting. Great opportunity to learn more and have your voice heard. Attend in person or tap the link to watch it via zoom.

🚒 Ripon Fire District Town Hall Meeting 🚒

The Ripon Fire District invites residents and community members to attend an upcoming Town Hall Meeting regarding the proposed 2026 Benefit Assessment.

During the meeting, District staff will provide information on the proposed assessment, discuss how fire and emergency medical services are currently funded, review the District’s operational needs, and answer questions from the community.

The meeting is intended to provide residents with an opportunity to learn more about the proposal, understand its potential impacts, and receive factual information before any future decisions are made.

📅 Tuesday, June 2, 2026
🕡 6:00 PM
📍 Ripon Fire Station
142 S. Stockton Ave., Ripon

Community members may participate either in person or via Zoom.

If you are joining us online, please use the below link to access the meeting.

https://zoom.us/j/98461851102

We encourage anyone interested in learning more about the proposed benefit assessment and the services provided by the Ripon Fire District to attend.

For additional information, please visit our website or contact the District office.

05/29/2026

🚒 Ripon Fire District Town Hall Meeting 🚒

The Ripon Fire District invites residents and community members to attend an upcoming Town Hall Meeting regarding the proposed 2026 Benefit Assessment.

During the meeting, District staff will provide information on the proposed assessment, discuss how fire and emergency medical services are currently funded, review the District’s operational needs, and answer questions from the community.

The meeting is intended to provide residents with an opportunity to learn more about the proposal, understand its potential impacts, and receive factual information before any future decisions are made.

📅 Tuesday, June 2, 2026
🕡 6:00 PM
📍 Ripon Fire Station
142 S. Stockton Ave., Ripon

Community members may participate either in person or via Zoom.

If you are joining us online, please use the below link to access the meeting.

https://zoom.us/j/98461851102

We encourage anyone interested in learning more about the proposed benefit assessment and the services provided by the Ripon Fire District to attend.

For additional information, please visit our website or contact the District office.

05/25/2026

Today, we remember.

On this Memorial Day, the Ripon Fire District joins communities across our nation in honoring the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

Their courage, dedication, and selfless commitment to protecting our freedoms will never be forgotten.

As we gather with family and friends today, we pause to reflect on those who gave everything for the nation we call home.

From all of us at Ripon Fire District, we honor their memory and express our deepest gratitude to the families they left behind.

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” – John 15:13

05/23/2026

🚒 THIS IS NOT THE JUNE 2 ELECTION BALLOT

We’ve received questions from community members asking whether the Ripon Fire District Benefit Assessment will appear on the June 2 election ballot.

It will not.

📬 Property owners within the Ripon Consolidated Fire District will receive a separate ballot package by mail around June 15.

The envelope pictured is what you should watch for in your mailbox. It is clearly marked:

“Official Ballot Enclosed”

🗳️ Once received, property owners will have until August 13, 2026, at 5:30 PM to return their completed ballot to the Ripon Consolidated Fire District.

We encourage all property owners to review the materials carefully and participate in the ballot process.

For more information, join us at our Community Town Hall Meeting on June 2 at 6:00 PM at Fire Station 1, 142 S. Stockton Avenue.

You can also call the Fire District if you ever have a question or concern at 209-599-4209

05/21/2026

We are very saddened to learn of the passing of Bert Ballatore — a true servant of the Ripon community and the Ripon Fire District.

Bert proudly served as a volunteer firefighter from December 27, 1965, to January 30, 1993, and became a Lifetime Member of the District on April 17, 1993. His decades of service reflected a deep love for the fire service, the community, and the traditions that make the Fire District special.

Bert was the definition of a volunteer firefighter. He saw a need in his community and stepped forward to fill it. He lived for the Fire District and inspired others to serve through his example, dedication, and passion. He believed strongly in preserving the history and traditions of the District and ensuring they would be carried on for future generations.

One of the last conversations retired members had with Bert was about his shared love for the Fire District and the many good memories he had serving. He deeply cared that the District’s history and traditions are never forgotten.

Outside of the fire service, Bert lived a stellar life centered around farming, antiques, old equipment, and community service. He was instrumental in restoring the District’s 1926 Chevrolet fire engine, lovingly known as “Ol’ Gertie.” Today, that apparatus stands as a lasting reminder of the pride, craftsmanship, and history that Bert worked so hard to preserve for future generations.

Bert Ballatore represented the very best of the volunteer fire service — selfless, humble, dedicated, and community-minded. He brought out the desire in others to serve and demonstrated what it truly meant to be a volunteer firefighter.

Thank you, Bert, for your decades of service, friendship, leadership, and unwavering love for the Ripon Fire District. Your legacy will continue to live on.

05/19/2026

Another great article by CBS13 CBS Sacramento. We appreciate you continuing to cover Ripon and help spread awareness regarding our Fire District, and highlighting the efforts of our community members.

Carmela Karcher reports on the Ripon Fire District. For video licensing inquiries, contact: [email protected]

05/17/2026

EMS Week May 17-23 2026

For more than 50 years, the Ripon Consolidated Fire District has proudly provided Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance service to our community. Since placing our first ambulance in service in 1973, our firefighter/paramedics and EMTs have remained committed to delivering professional, compassionate emergency medical care when our residents need it most.

During National EMS Week, we recognize the dedication, training, and sacrifice of the men and women who answer the call every day and night.

From critical medical emergencies to everyday calls for help, our EMS personnel are there for our community 24/7.

Thank you to all past and present Ripon Fire EMS personnel for your service, professionalism, and commitment to protecting our community.