RIDGE SPRING – On Sunday afternoon the community of Ridge Spring came together to enjoy the success of the Ridge Spring Fire Department and the opening of their new building with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Rep. Nikki Setzler and Rep. Marion Frye attended the event.

The dedication program consisted of Rev. Fred Byrd giving the invocation, Frank Daniel, Saluda County Councilman district 1, leading the pledge, Jim Pratt and Phil Mount of Morton Builders being recognized, D. C. Greer recognized as the finance lender, comments by Hardee Horne, chairman, Saluda county Council, and by Patsy Asbill, Mayor, Town of Ridge Spring, Prayer of Dedication by Rev. Chris Yeargin, Pastor at RS Baptist Church and Chaplain for the Fire Department and closing remarks by Dallas C. Cone, Jr.

Councilman Horne was proud of having a cooperative Fire Service for the whole county. Mayor Asbill was delighted that these people have succeeded in their dream.

The Sound system was provided by Richard Elders and the refreshments by Kathy’s Katering were sponsored by Morton Buildings and Government Capital Corporation. Then the ribbon was cut by D. S. Cone while being surrounded by the present day members.

The Ridge Spring Fire Department extends a grateful thanks and appreciation of all those who have helped make the dream of a new fire station become a reality.

This dream began in the early 1970’s with the opening of a special savings account, and now the dream is becoming a reality. With continue help and financial support it is anticipated that the remaining work can be completed within the next several months.

Work will be done as funds become available.

The Fire Department also had a table of memorabilia.

On the table were old fire hats, nozzles, newspaper clippings and a pair of boots. The charter members were listed on a plaque and their names L. D. Bodie, D. S. Cone, Jr., Lee Roy Cone, J. G. Cumbee, Byrnes Gregory, Robert Householder, Sr., Arthur Kneece, A. G. Rutland, C. D. Sawyer, Sr, Wallace Steadman, Roderick Watson and Ben Willis. The boots had belonged to R. S. (Bob) Householder. He had been given those boots when the fire department first organized.

The boots fit Bob and Burrell Boatwright and they were the only boots the fire department had at that time.

Bob wanted to wear them but because Burrell was the heavier of the two and therefore held the end of the powerful water hose, he got to wear them during a fire. How fortunate this town has been to have citizens to take on a job and complete it that benefits us all.

Fred Byrd remarked that his father had been a member of the Fire Department and that Fred was remembering the legacy of his father at that time.