Since its establishment by voter approval in August of 1949, the Caldwell Rural Fire District (CRFD) has served as a steadfast guardian for the communities of Notus, Greenleaf, and the rural areas surrounding Caldwell. For more than seven decades, the District has evolved in response to the needs of its residents, adapting to changes in community expectations, emergency response strategies, and operational challenges, all while upholding its mission to deliver professional fire protection and emergency services.

Following its formation in 1949, CRFD began developing its service capacity in partnership with the City of Caldwell, a relationship that continues to this day. In 1967, Caldwell Fire Station #1 opened and began jointly housing apparatus from both agencies, including a 1,000-gallon fire engine and a 3,000-gallon water tender. At that time, the Caldwell Fire Department operated as a combination department with both volunteer and career personnel — a model that influenced CRFD's early response strategy.

For many years, fire response relied heavily on volunteer support. Prior to 1989, when a call came in, two on-duty crew members would respond in the engine, while volunteers — alerted by pager — would meet at the station and follow with the water tender. This system required strong coordination and community commitment.

By 1990, that approach shifted to reflect growing demands and evolving safety standards. Volunteers began carrying their turnout gear in personal vehicles and responding directly to the scene. Meanwhile, on-duty personnel would deploy both the engine and tender, and off-duty staff were often called in to backfill the station. This model enhanced response times but required more extensive coordination and resource management.

In 1998, the City of Caldwell established an Urban Renewal District, annexing the east side of CRFD’s service area. Two years later, in 2000, Caldwell Fire Station #2 opened on Ustick Road, further expanding capacity for shared response operations. At this point, CRFD adapted its deployment model to align with a multi-station strategy, dispatching the nearest available engine for smaller incidents and a full complement of apparatus for structural fires or larger emergencies.

A major turning point came in 2004, when the City of Notus was annexed into the fire district. The transition marked the consolidation of services and the start of construction on a dedicated station for Notus, built in part with the support of local volunteers. By 2005, the Notus Fire Station was completed — a milestone in expanding CRFD’s rural reach.

The years following the 2008 housing market crash presented significant challenges. Many employers were no longer able to support volunteer firefighters, forcing several long-time volunteers to resign. As a result, the District saw its staffing base shrink and its revenue cut in half, a moment that demonstrated the need for long-term financial planning and staffing resilience.

By 2009, the Notus station was no longer staffed regularly. This underscored the need for strategic reevaluation and investment in sustainable service models.

In 2020, the District adopted Impact Fees, a major step toward building long-term financial sustainability. This decision helped set the stage for infrastructure and staffing reinvestment, culminating in the opening of Caldwell Fire Station #3 in 2021.

As part of this new era, CRFD began developing a long-term vision to increase staffing, modernize its facilities, and better serve the growing needs of its community. Despite delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and increased construction costs, the District has continued to advance its mission.

In 2024, the District proudly celebrated its 75th anniversary, a testament to the dedication of its personnel, the support of its partner agencies, and the trust of the community. The occasion marked not only a historic milestone but also a turning point for future growth and community outreach.

Starting May 1, 2025, the Notus Fire Station celebrated being staffed once again, reflecting a renewed commitment to rural service and the fulfillment of a vision set in motion years ago. This development is a direct result of long-term planning and the District’s ongoing commitment to restoring and strengthening emergency coverage in underserved areas.

Throughout its history, CRFD has maintained a strong and collaborative partnership with the City of Caldwell Fire Department. This alliance allows both agencies to maximize service efficiency, share critical resources, and provide coordinated emergency response across jurisdictional boundaries — especially important given the rural-urban mix of the service area.

Today, the Caldwell Rural Fire District continues to honor its founding mission while adapting to modern challenges, from funding and recruitment to service delivery and infrastructure expansion. As the District looks to the next chapter, it remains committed to transparent governance, strategic planning, and most of all, protecting the lives and property of the communities it serves.