Third District Volunteer Fire Department

05/25/2026

Today, the Third District Volunteer Fire Department remembers and honors the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We are forever grateful for their service and dedication to protecting our freedom. Have a safe and meaningful Memorial Day. 🇺🇸🚒

05/24/2026

Third District Volunteer Fire Department offers our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and coworkers of Lt. Dennis Casey Jr. His 24 years of service to the East Bank Consolidated Fire Department show his dedication to his calling and to the residents of Jefferson Parish. We can tell from all of the comments and posts about him that he will be missed by all.

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day

05/04/2026

04/28/2026

Here's another fun fact in celebration of Third District Volunteer Fire Department's 75th year of service...

The first alarm system for the department was as follows: President George Schmitt Jr had an electronic siren at his house. When they received a call at their house, either George or his wife would activate the siren. Telephone calls would them be made to members. The members would respond and their wives would call others to keep the message going.

We've come a long way. We now receive calls with details and even a map on our cellphones. We can see how to get there, who was dispatched, and even notes on what is happening and how the situation is progressing.

04/08/2026

Today, in anticipation of our upcoming 75th anniversary, we honor the first elected officers of the Third District Volunteer Fire Department (known as the Third Precinct Volunteer Fire Company at the time).

George Schmitt Jr., President
Herbert Cook, Vice-President
Warren Schulz, Secretary
Harry Kramer, Treasurer
Charles F. Elchinger, Director
Arthur Carter, Director
Howard Bennett Sr., Fire Chief

These officers were elected at a meeting held on June 18, 1951. The fire company received its charter from the State of Louisiana on July 18, 1951.

03/30/2026

Did you know that River Ridge was almost named “Eastwego”?

The Third District Volunteer Fire Department is coming up on its 75th anniversary. In 1951, The Little Farms Civic Association, along with George Schmitt Jr. formed the Third Precinct Volunteer Fire Company to provide fire protection to the area. The department received its charter on July 18, 1951. George Schmitt Jr. served as the first department president. Howard Bennett Sr. served as the department’s first fire chief.

It wasn’t until the 70’s that River Ridge received its official name. While some people referred to the area as “Little Farms”, the postal service relied on “New Orleans, 21” or “New Orleans, 23”. When the parish council made the decision to delete “New Orleans” from the addresses and add “Harahan, LA”, residents led an initiative to give the area a name of its own. Civic associations, clubs, and residents submitted ideas and ballots were sent to each resident. Some of the options included:

Metairie Ridge
Elmwood
Redgate
Eastwego
Frenchman
Just
Shangrila

A runoff took place between “River Ridge” and “Little Farms”. River Ridge received its official designation on June 6, 1974.

This year is big for the Third District Volunteer Fire Department, as it marks 75 years of service. We will be hosting events in the next few months. Please keep an eye out for our announcements and fliers. We hope to celebrate our milestone with you and the rest of the community.

Thank you,
Matthew Bondi Sr.
President

Steimle, S. and J., River Ridge- A Historical Sketch (SMAC Presents The First Annual ST. Matthew The Apostle FESTIVAL November 7, 1976)

02/28/2026

Congratulations to our latest career firefighters Tevin, David and Jose. We are proud of the hard work and determination it took to graduate. Welcome to TDVFD