W.R. Castle Fire & Rescue merges with River Volunteer Fire Department

The board of directors of W.R. Castle Fire & Rescue in Johnson County, Kentucky is pleased to announce the completion of a merger with the River Volunteer Fire Department.

As of 12:00am on January 1st, 2024, the two departments have become a single agency that will serve about 4,600 people in an area of 48 square miles. The fire station at River will remain in operation as W.R. Castle Station 3, joining Station 1 at Wittensville and Station 2 at Stambaugh. Plans are already underway to improve equipment and vehicles at Station 3 as well as to make significant repairs to the building.

The merger will soon provide an improved ISO rating for property owners in the former River district, creating significant savings on their homeowner’s insurance premiums. 

The board of W.R. Castle Fire & Rescue wishes to acknowledge the contributions of many people who have made this possible for the River community, including the firefighters and board members of the River Volunteer Fire Department since its formation in 1981. We also want to thank the Kentucky Fire Commission for their guidance in planning the merger as well as Judge Mark McKenzie, County Commissioners and County Attorney Mike Endicott for their assistance in completing the process.

Additional volunteers are needed to help staff all three stations, but particularly Station 3. Interested persons can stop by Station 1 any Tuesday evening or contact any volunteer for a application.