Out of the Ashes: Volunteers, donors help rebuild Rist Canyon Fire Station #4

It’s been a long time a’coming. Rist Canyon Fire Station #4, which was destroyed in the High Park Fire in June 2012, is finally seeing life.

On Sept. 20, a team of volunteers from Baker Concrete Construction out of Aurora made the trek up Whale Rock Road to lay the concrete footing at Station No. 4. The building of the station, delayed due to various setbacks, was heartily welcomed by members of the Rist Canyon Volunteer Fire Department. On hand for the Saturday pour were RCVFD Fire Chief Bob Gann, Board President Mike Thompson, Board members Jordy Levick and John Snyder and RCVFD Firefighter Larry Monesson. Levick, the Rist Canyon Road representative for the RCVFD Board, has been instrumental in jumpstarting the project along with Brian Banister, Project Superintendent for FCI Constructors, Inc.

By Leisa Taylor

Some 10 employees of Baker Concrete poured and spread four truckloads of concrete throughout the day. Despite the heat and hard work, the Baker Concrete volunteers were happy to donate their labor. “We heard of this project in need of help,” said Baker Superintendent Moses Berrelez. “It’s for a good cause. And you cannot beat the scenery up here. It’s beautiful.” Sean Mabie, a 13-year employee of Baker, said he’s proud of his company. “We strive to be the preeminent concrete company in the country,” Mabie said.

Other companies have also stepped forward with assistance. Southwest Concrete Pumping out of Berthoud is supplying the pumper truck at a discount, and Loveland’s Concrete Equipment and Supply is donating the rental of the concrete forms for the station walls.

These donations and volunteer labor are vital to the Rist Canyon VFD, which is 100 percent donation-based, receiving no funds whatsoever from taxes. All personnel and firefighters are volunteers, and they are on call 24 hours/day. The firefighters and medical responders also volunteer their time when they attend monthly training classes to keep their skills up-to-date.

RCVFD was started in 1975 and served some 30 acres. Today, RCVFD provides service to an area over 100 square miles. To donate or for more information, go to www.rcvfd.org.


Support Northern Colorado Journalism

Show your support for North Forty News by helping us produce more content. It's a kind and simple gesture that will help us continue to bring more content to you.

BONUS - Donors get a link in their receipt to sign up for our once-per-week instant text messaging alert. Get your e-copy of North Forty News the moment it is released!

Click to Donate