Rick Ritter has been named Interim Chief of the New Carlisle Fire Division, and said he intends to focus on recruiting more volunteer members who live within the department’s response area.

Ritter has served the New Carlisle Fire Division for 43 years, acting as Assistant Chief before being appointed to Interim Chief after former Chief Brad Phillips’ resignation which was effective last Friday. Ritter said there is no possibility of him becoming the official chief, as he is not applying for it, but noted that he will lead the department and its attempt to gain more paid-per-call (volunteer) members.

He said it is imperative that the department obtain more volunteer members who live within the department’s response area. Ritter encouraged anyone with an interest in joining the department to call or visit the station.

“Just come run with us to see what it’s all about,” Ritter said. “I’d love to see people in the station just asking questions,” he said.

Ritter began his professional journey in public service as an EMT, but developed a love of firefighting so much that he made it his career. He said that while acting as an EMT for the NCFD, he was motivated to become a firefighter from Chief Lucas, who convinced him that becoming a firefighter as well would best-suit him in life.

Ritter then went on to work at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base’s Fire Department for 22 years, saying that joining the “fire side” was undoubtedly the right choice for him.

He stressed that the primary focus of the department now is moving forward and sustaining the drive for more local volunteers.

“The department as a whole is rebounding and looking forward to continuing to serve the public,” said Ritter.