Our Department

The purpose of this organization shall be to protect the lives and property of the residents of Richland Township and Geistown Borough, Cambria County, Pennsylvania from injury or damage from fire or other catastrophes and to foster and promote the general welfare of the communities we serve.

History

The Richland Township Volunteer Fire Department (RTFD) is headquartered at 1321 Scalp Avenue (the SR.219 / Scalp Avenue interchange) in the East Hills section of the Greater Johnstown area of Cambria County Pennsylvania.

Originally, Richland Township was divided into 3 distinct fire protection districts; being Richland Township station 2, Solomon Run station 3 and Belmont station 1.

In 2000 the Richland and Solomon Run departments consolidated into 1 department becoming Richland Township station 3.  With this merger, the RTFD also assumed operations of the Solomon Run Firemen’s Club, which is located next to the Solomon Run Station.  In 2004 the Belmont station was consolidated creating 1 fire department covering all of Richland Township.  In early 2009, by order of the Geistown Borough Council the Richland Township Volunteer Fire Department was given operational and administrative control of the Geistown Volunteer Fire Department.  The consolidation was finalized by January 1, 2010.

In October 2009, the Richland Township Volunteer Fire Department entered into a 5-year contract with Shade Township, Somerset County, to provide the primary fire protection for their township.  In November 2013, 1-year short of the original agreement (which was allowed if both sides agreed), the Shade Supervisors accepted a 5-year no-cost contract with Central City Fire Department thus ending our fire protection for their area.

The RTFD now operates three stations providing fire protection to not only the residents, businesses, and visitors to Richland Township and Geistown Borough.

The RTFD’s 1st due coverage area has grown to encompass 21 square miles in Cambria County and now serves over 15,000 residents as well as thousands of visitors commuting into and through our 1st due daily.

Some notable landmarks within the RTFD’s coverage area include the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, John Murtha Johnstown Cambria County Airport, The Johnstown Galleria, as well as hundreds of other businesses.

The RTFD maintains a fleet of over 14 vehicles including 2 Engines, 1 Truck, 1 Tower, 1 Heavy Rescue, 1 Light Rescue, 2 Squads, 1 Utility Truck, 1 Trench Rescue Trailor, 3 QRS certified units, 4 Command Units along with various support units.  The RTFD conducts rigorous training every Tuesday evening at 19:00 hours and extends an open invitation to any fire department or individual wishing to attend.  The RTFD also offers a full time live-in program which provides a living room, kitchen, shower room, laundry facilities, and the opportunity to help the community.  If you are interested in becoming a member of the most aggressive, busiest, and dedicated fire departments in the area, then the RTFD is for you.

Please feel free to stop or call the RTFD at 814-266-4331 for any additional information.

Old School

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