Effective July 16th, 2025, W.R. Castle Fire & Rescue has merged with the Thealka Volunteer Fire Department. This merger will shorten response times, increase staffing, and improve the equipment available to the Thealka and Greentown communities. Residents of those areas will soon see a decrease in their homeowners’ insurance premiums as well.
The fire station at Thealka will remain in operation as W.R. Castle Station 4, joining Station 1 at Wittensville, Station 2 at Stambaugh, and Station 3 at River, which was added to the district in 2024 when W.R. Castle merged with the River Volunteer Fire Department.
Firefighters are in the process of inspecting the vehicles and equipment at the new Station 4 to make sure everything is ready for use (see attached photo).
New volunteer firefighters are needed in all parts of the W.R. Castle district.
The board of W.R. Castle Fire & Rescue wishes to acknowledge the contributions of many people who have made this possible for the Thealka community, including the firefighters and board members of the Thealka Volunteer Fire Department since its formation in 1981.
We also want to thank the Kentucky Fire Commission for their guidance in planning the merger as well as Judge Mark McKenzie; Johnson County Commissioners Jessica Click, Mike Jarrell, and Tim Salyer; EM Director Gary McClure; and County Attorney Mike Endicott for their assistance in completing the merger process.