The River Falls Fire Department (RFFD) in Marietta, South Carolina, has a storied history that began in the late 1970s with a desire for a local fire service. In 1979, the community started to seriously consider the need for a fire department, but due to initial opposition and a lack of understanding about how to start one, the effort was delayed until 1984.

In that year, after continued interest from the community, an informal meeting was held with the Greenville County Planning Commission. A committee was formed, and a public meeting was scheduled for May 1984 to discuss the creation of the fire department. With no opposition, the community agreed to proceed with the effort.

In the months that followed, the committee worked hard to learn about the requirements and logistics of establishing a fire department. Although none of the original members had prior fire service experience, they gathered vital data, including local fire history over the past 30 years, to inform their planning. Their efforts culminated in a petition signed by 198 residents (around 60% of eligible adults) in support of creating a special fire district. This petition was submitted to the Committee on Public Safety, which, after reviewing the signatures and supporting documents, recommended the establishment of the River Falls Fire District.

On November 20, 1984, Greenville County Council officially created the River Falls Fire District. In early 1985, a Board of Fire Control was appointed to continue the work of establishing the department. This group began drafting bylaws, securing trucks, equipment, and grants for the construction of a fire station, and making plans for personnel and training. Charles Crawford was appointed as the first fire chief in 1985, and he played a crucial role in the construction of the department’s original firehouse. He also helped secure fire trucks, donated by the South Carolina Forestry Commission, which were modified for firefighting purposes. Additionally, EMS training began in 1985 to expand the department’s capabilities.

Despite these advancements, it wasn’t until November 23, 1986, that the River Falls Fire Department responded to its first call for service. The call was for a structure fire, and although multiple volunteers responded—some with turnout gear and others without—there was no means of delivering water. The department relied on neighboring fire departments to send personnel and equipment to help combat the blaze.

Since that first call, the River Falls Fire Department has made great strides in fire protection, upgrading its equipment and training. In recent years, the department has purchased new firefighting equipment, and it is now pursuing Basic Life Support (BLS) certification to provide a higher level of medical care to the River Falls community. Through dedication and perseverance, the River Falls Fire Department has grown into a vital part of the community, committed to protecting and serving the residents and visitors of River Falls.