W.R. Castle and River Volunteer Fire Departments merge

PAINTSVILLE — The board of directors of W.R. Castle Fire & Rescue in Johnson County announced on Jan. 1, 2024 that they had merged with the River Volunteer Fire Department.

“As of 12 a.m., on Jan. 1, 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, joins Station 1 at Wittensville and Station 2 at Stambaugh,” they said on their Facebook page. “Plans are already underway to improve equipment and vehicles at Station 3, as well as to make significant repairs to the building.”

The fire departments also said the merger will soon provide an improved ISO rating for property owners in the former River District creating a significant savings on their homeowner’s insurance premiums.

The board of W.R. Castle Fire & Rescue said on their Facebook page that they want to acknowledge the contributions of many people who have made the merger 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 and County Attorney Mike Endicott for their assistance in completing the process,” they said on their Facebook page. “Additional volunteers are needed to help staff all three stations, but especially Station 3. Interested persons can stop by Station 1 any Tuesday evening at 6:30pm, or contact any W.R. Castle volunteer firefighter for an application.”