Department History
Page two
In 1982 the Ruth Fire Department receive a 1950 American Lafrance Fie Truck, which had been assigned to the McGill Fire Department. But when placed into service on a wildland fire the truck engine failed.
In 1986 The White Pine County Commission in conjunction with the Nevada Division of Forestry organized the White Pine County Fire District. This fire district covers all of White Pine County, with the exception of the City of Ely.
In 1988 the Ruth Fire Department received a quick response wildland fire truck, which was used to respond to wildland fires throughout all of White Pine Counties.
In 1992 members of the Ruth Fire Department, began training as Emergency Medical First Responders. After obtaining certification from the State of Nevada, we began responding to medical emergency, and vehicle accidents for any call West of the City limits of Ely, Nevada.
However, being unable to transport the patients, an ambulance was dispatched for the Ely Ambulance Service for transports.
In 1992 the Department official changed it's name to the Ruth Volunteer Fire and Emergency Medical Services Inc.
The Fire Department receives approximately $4500.00 in funding from the Town of Ruth, Nevada. But, because of budget restraints, the Department is discouraged from utilizing most of the funds provided.
Emergency Medical calls have became a very important aspect of the duties of the Ruth Volunteers, and because of this undertaking our responsives have trippled over what we normally would of had.
Also in 1992 members of the Department began training for vertical rope rescue and cave rescue, and were involved in several cave rescues since that time.
In 1992 foru members of the Department under took training for basic EMT. this was used to enhance the abilities of the Emergency responders for medical emergencies.
In 1992 the department received a 1968 ambulance and began making ambulance calls with in our response area.
In 1993 a 1987 Chevrolet Type One Ambulance, which was taken out of service from the Ely Ambulance Service. The ambulance was in very bad shape, and was nicknamed "daylight" because the over head emergency lights and the head lights could not be operated at the same time, without the batteries going dead.
In 1994 because of the poor condition of the Ruth ambulance, a grant from CDBG was obtain for the purchase 1995 Wheeled Coach Ambulance type three ambulance, and is still in use as the primary ambulance for Ruth.
Also in 1994 a 1985 type two ambulance was obtained from the Broken Hill Properties mining company located in Ruth, Nevada, with the agreement the Volunteers would respond to all medical emergencies at the mine property, approxmately one mile from the town of Ruth, Nevada.
