Residents and Business Owners of Riverdale Park:

Happy New Year! This year is the Riverdale Fire Department Inc.’s one-hundred-year anniversary. Riverdale volunteers have protected life and property in Riverdale Park, University Park, Hyattsville Arts District, Edmonston, and surrounding areas since 1923. This past year, the department responded to 1,145 calls. The calls for service include medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, fire alarms, gas leaks, and structure fires. To ensure the Riverdale Fire Department Inc. continues providing the highest quality fire and emergency medical services to our community, we need your help.

Our apparatus and equipment are aging and needs to be replaced or updated. We rely heavily on community donations to respond to emergencies all over Prince George’s County. Your donation will be used to replace and repair our apparatuses, for training equipment, facility maintenance, and recruiting efforts. If you wish to donate via PayPal, use the QR code on our holiday card or find us @RVFD20738. Checks can be made out to the Riverdale Fire Department Inc. and mailed to the address listed above. After donating, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with your name and address so that we can send you a thank you letter.

The Riverdale Fire Department Inc. consists of 23 active members. We are a dedicated group of volunteers who are responding to a growing number of emergencies. With the continued development of our community and increased traffic, we find the need for our services constantly increasing. If you’re looking for a way to give back to our community, volunteering at the Riverdale Fire Department Inc. is a great way to serve. The sense of accomplishment and fulfillment received from volunteering is beyond words. That is why we dedicate hundreds of hours annually, away from family and friends, uncompensated, to respond to emergencies in our community. No experience is required, and training is provided. If you are interested in joining, use the QR code on our holiday card or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Every dollar you donate helps the Riverdale Fire Department Inc. protect you and your neighbors. You and your donation will play a critical role in helping our community. Once again, the members of the Riverdale Fire Department Inc. would like to thank you for your continued support.

Happy Holidays,

Stephen Lamphier
President

Brian Carpio
Chief

December 23rd, 2022 - Just as crews were finishing up dinner, Engine 73 was alerted on the second alarm of a working apartment fire in the Kentland section of Landover, MD. First Due units arrived with smoke showing from the first floor and the eaves. After extinguishing the fire in the reporting apartment, Smoke conditions were still present.  Further investigation determined that the seat of the fire was located below the first floor but basement access had been sealed off. Crews had to break through the floor to access the basement stairs to extinguish the origin of the fire. Units operated for several hours in below freezing temperatures before returning to service.

December 23th, 2022 - Riverdale volunteers and Santa made an appearance before Christmas. Santa must have been hitting the gym as he seems thinner, maybe even younger, than last year. 

Just before 5pm, Engine Company 7 was alerted to the 4300 block of 57th ave for a report of an apartment on fire. First-due units arrived on scene with "Smoke Showing". Further investigation confirmed a working apartment fire on the 3rd floor. Company 7 arrived as the 3rd due engine company and operated for over an hour before returning to service.

Photos courtesy of @4thBattalionPhotography

*** UPDATED ***

Gerard McBurnie Dixon, Sr
February 10, 1966 - January 13, 2022

The Riverdale Fire Department, Inc. is sad to announce the passing of Life Member Gerard McBurnie Dixon, Sr.  Gerard joined the department on May 14, 1991 and served the department and community actively for 31 years.  During his service as a firefighter/EMT, he served as Rescue Captain, Engine Lieutenant, Engine Captain, Vice President and as a member of the Board of Directors.  He received numerous Letters of Commendation and Unit Citations for his actions both individually and as part of the crew.  Our hearts go out to Gerard's family during this difficult time.  Please keep them, along with his friends and colleagues in your prayers.

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS: 

Viewing - Saturday, February 19, 2022 0930 - 1030 @ Fort Lincoln Funeral Home, 3401 Bladensburg Rd, Brentwood, MD

Celebration of Life Ceremony - Saturday February 19, 2022 1030 - 1145 @ Fort Lincoln Funeral Home, 3401 Bladensburg Rd, Brentwood, MD

Due to COVID restrictions, in-person viewing will be limited.  However, the family invites you to join them in the Celebration of Life Ceremony online.  Click Here to Join