Arundel and Riva Volunteer Fire Departments Combine In Historic Merger

Arundel Volunteer Fire Department and Riva Volunteer Fire Department are undertaking a historic merger, combining corporate affairs to ensure a strong volunteer future for both stations. Gregory Hintz, President of Arundel VFD announced that the combined corporation will be known as Arundel Volunteer Fire Department, while retaining the Riva Volunteer Fire Department branding for Riva Station 3.

David Carr, President of the Riva Volunteer Fire Department, is most excited about the opportunity to bring volunteer firefighters and EMTs back to Riva station to supplement the current, county-paid staff.

Eric March, Chief of Arundel Volunteer Fire Department, explained that he anticipates working with the County fire administration to re-introduce volunteer operations to Riva station in a deliberate and controlled manner, ensuring that the re-introduction of volunteers produces a net benefit to the community and does not negatively impact fire service to the Riva and Davidsonville communities. Arundel’s first priority is to certify volunteers to operate the tanker housed at Riva station, enabling volunteers to place a critical south-county asset in-service.

The expanded Arundel Volunteer Fire Department is now the first volunteer fire department in Anne Arundel County to operate out of multiple fire stations. This new arrangement will provide expanded opportunities for volunteer firefighter participation, as well and unlock efficiencies in administrative activities across the combined corporation.