In 2000, a significant operational change led by the late Past Chief Richard Nagle unified fire–rescue–EMS and propelled RFD into an award-winning ALS service.

The Ridgefield Fire Department (RFD) is celebrating the 25th anniversary of an integrated paramedic service—a move that transformed how Ridgefield responds to fires, rescues, and medical emergencies and set the foundation for the award-winning EMS the Town relies onto day.

Prior to 2000, advanced life support (ALS) in Ridgefield was delivered by contracted paramedics from multiple agencies outside of Ridgefield. Under the leadership of the late Past Chief Richard Nagle and with the unwavering support of First Selectperson Rudy Marconi, the RFD transitioned to cross-trained firefighter/paramedics who work, train, and respond together as one team. At launch, the department maintained at least one paramedic per shift. The paramedic responded in a dedicated red Jeep Cherokee Paramedic Response Vehicle(PRV). When an EMS came in, the firefighter/paramedic either rode with the ambulance when ALS was needed, or remained available in the PRV for the next call—tightening coordination and speeding critical care at complex incidents blending fire, rescue, and EMS.

“Bringing ALS in-house was the operational shift that changed everything,” said Fire Chief Rommie Duckworth. “It allowed us to bring new paramedic abilities, such as 12-lead ECGs, to Ridgefield. It unified our people and our practice as a flexible and coordinated team that’s ready for any kind of emergency.”

From day one, the in-house program was built by a founding cohort of four newly hired firefighter/paramedics—Captain Chris Alward, Fire Marshal Drew Loya, Firefighter First Class (FFC) Christopher Sanders, and FFC Mike Short—who, along with FFC/EMT Ken Brown, joined paramedics already serving as Ridgefield firefighters, including Retired Chief Jerry Myers, Chief Rommie Duckworth, Captain Michael Moore, Retired Lieutenant Patrick Holland, Retired Fire Marshal Guy Miglinas, and Firefighter Chick Hancock. Together, they built the integrated, cross-trained workforce that defines RFD’s all-hazards response. All the firefighters hired as part of this initiative are still with the Department.

Today, the Ridgefield Fire Department operates two ALS ambulances fully staffed 24/7, with the ability to deliver ALS via additional ambulances and fire engines as paramedic staffing allows. Clinically, the program’s evolution is reflected in consecutive American Heart Association Mission: Lifeline® EMS Gold (2023, 2024, and 2025) and other life-saving awards, recognizing excellence in the care of heart attack, stroke, and cardiac arrest patients. When the program began in 2000, Ridgefield answered approximately 2,250 emergencies. In 2025, the fire department is on pace to double that number, while maintaining unified fire–rescue–EMS delivery. This 25-year milestone honors the foresight of Chief Nagle, the commitment of First Selectperson Marconi, the dedication of the founding firefighters and paramedics, and the daily professionalism of Ridgefield’s bravest, who continue to raise the bar for prehospital care and public safety.

About the Ridgefield Fire Department The Ridgefield Fire Department is a combination fire–rescue–EMS agency serving the Town of Ridgefield, Connecticut. The RFD provides all-hazards response, including fire suppression, advanced life support ambulance service, technical rescue, and community risk reduction.

For additional information, contact:
Chief Rommie L. Duckworth
[email protected]
203-431-2727