Fire Department

The Duchess and District Fire Department is a volunteer fire department. Our firefighters are a dedicated group of men and women, who work to keep the citizens of Duchess, Patricia, the County of Newell and the surrounding neighbours safe. The Duchess and District Fire Department is 75% funded by the County of Newell and 25% from the Village of Duchess.

We must thank these dedicated men and women for keeping us all safe!

This year two of our members received 12 year service awards Fire Chief Greg Witt and Deputy Chief Troy Rutschmann both received awards and are actually close to receiving their 20 year awards.  Please take a moment to congratulate and thank these men when you see them!

The Firemen host a toxic roundup once a year at the fire hall.  They also have an annual Santa Claus Parade in December. This parade sees them throughout the Village and then inviting everyone back to the fire hall for hot chocolate and treats.

The Duchess & Rural Fire department is made up of two halls, one hall in Duchess and one in Patricia. Our Fire Department is staffed entirely with volunteers.

As well as fire and motor vehicle accidents we respond to medic calls as first responders to help ambulance personnel when needed. We practice the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month.

We are very active for a small department with an average call volume of 75 calls per year.

Fire Chief – Greg Witt
Assistant Chief – Steve Dunford
Deputy Chief – Troy Rutschmann
Deputy Chief – Brad Richardson

The Patricia Fire Chief is Darren Hubka and he has been volunteering with the Patricia Department for five years and has just recently taken over as Chief.

If you wish to join the Fire Department please contact the Village office for additional information.