The voluntary fire brigade was formed in 1865 by the Ried gymnastics club. The statutes were approved by the authorities on 12 February 1866. The ever-present risk of fire brought people together: At the town meeting on 21 April 1866, 76 men from all strata of society joined the Volunteer Fire Brigade. Fires were primarily fought with water buckets made of leather. 

Until 1895, Ried had 4 night watchmen who ensured public safety, and were equipped with halberds, lanterns and signal horns.

Their trademark was their hourly calls, which ran as follows, for example (translated from the German): 

“Take note, all men and women, and hear ye:

The hammer has struck 9 o’clock.

Praise God our Lord and our holy Lady.

9 o’clock has struck.”

“Housemaids arise! It’s time to get up.

The day is breaking, the night is fading. 

All praise be to Jesus Christ for ever!

4 o’clock has struck!”

The night watchmen's tasks were taken over by security guards on 15 April 1895, and the last ever night watchmen's calls echoed round the town.