The seed that started the Golden Gate Fire Department is planted

This history was transcribed from notes by Lue Ramstetter, 
for a speech at GGFD Fire Station #1, May 2000.

In 1969, Karl Ramstetter was still working as truck manager for Golden Ford.

A western slope Fire Department brought over a 1938 Chevy fire truck pumper with 500-gallon capacity to trade in on an order for a new truck. Well, Golden Ford didn’t want anything to do with an old fire truck.

Karl decided this truck would be great protection in case of a fire on the ranch. He was right. We used it for a couple different lighting strikes. Karl mentioned to his friend the sheriff that he would be glad to help in case of a fire in the Canyon.

Some way the State Patrol got the idea there was a Fire Department in the Canyon. One day in 1970 the phone rang and the patrolman said there was a fire on this side of Clear Creek. And he needed help to find his way to the fire and our Fire Department’s help. It must have been a Saturday because Karol was home.

I called Karl and he said he could see the smoke from the fire was over past the Grant place in Otts’ old place – to call Wayne and Karol. Call the Sheriff and have the patrolman to wait at Buckman’s to bring the Fire Truck. And a pickup full of shovels. I called Karol and Wayne’s but he wasn’t home. Only Gary who could drive the pickup. But he was too young for a license. No matter I said bring the truck and shovels. Karol had never driven the fire truck. The starter was under the gas pedal. But she got it started. We had to put boards across a ditch to get the truck out of the garage. My friend Ruth that is shorter than Karol was visiting. We jumped in the car, Karol in the Fire truck. We met Gary at the bottom of the hill and headed for Buckman’s. Karl said he’d meet us there. One thing Karol remembers is her dad was wearing the tie she made for him.

You should have seen the look on that patrolman’s face when we arrived. An old truck driven by a short girl, a 15-year-old boy, and two ladies. Karl arrived.

Karl hauled water all afternoon, all night until afternoon the next day. The long fire trucks from town could not make it across the dips – the front and back end hung up leaving them stranded in the air.

Karl realized that City Fire Departments no longer had the equipment to handle rural fires. He began to talk about this at Grange. The Fairmount and Golden Fire Departments realized the same thing and were threatening not to answer a fire call in the mountains.

In July of 1978 (Douglas Mountain – Robinson Hill) Homeowners had a community meeting. In December 1979, the Grange began discussing forming a Fire Department. Robinson Hill had requested help in forming Department since in July they had gotten nowhere.

In a January 1980 Community meeting the subject was discussed. In March the Grange voted funds to start the paper work. In July Karl met with Douglas Mountain homeowners. September Karl received the print outs of property owners.

Meantime, the Grange decided to build a helipad on Guy Hill. In November a joint meeting was held with High Country and Arvada Fire Departments and several Douglas Mountain homeowners.

The guest Fire Departments explained about starting a Department. Karl said Coors had volunteered to give us a 200-gallon tank.

Karl and Wayne delivered phone books two pick up loads for $275. An open meeting was planned for January 1981 to get papers signed and the Department started.

Karl applied for incorporation papers. Received $100 donations from neighbors and $100 from Bingo. In February, incorporation papers were received. Donations – Lakewood Grange $150; Darden Pomona $50; and $575 from Grange Dance. Truck from Willis family to haul the 200-gallon Coors tank. The Grange will donate the Hall for raising money for Department. More funds from a second delivery of phone books. This would also help in developing a map.

There was a lot of paper work. By-laws worked on. Tax exemption applied for. Need insurance. Bought truck from Fairmount – A 1954 F 700. Tanker bought from Black Hawk. Mary Lou Harvey painted logo on Fire trucks.

Golden Lions Club donated $3000 for radio equipment in June 1982.

Robinson Hill and Douglas Mountain homeowners raised $312 from a dance in July.

G.G.F.D. for real was put on Sheriff’s list. Training held every two weeks. Fireman attend wild fire classes, extrication classes and smoke rescue. Raffles and Chili suppers help raise funds. Fire trucks and meetings and held at Guy Hill Ranch. Equipment, like hoses and clothing are donated by different Departments.

We have a Fire Department.