Sharpsburg Fire District

The history of the Sharpsburg Fire Service in the Borough of Sharpsburg is the epitome of community involvement and dedication.

The fire service was first organized on August 29, 1871, when the first Hook and Ladder Company was formed in Sharpsburg. In 1886, both the Vigilant Hose Company and the Citizen Hose Company were organized. Borough Council created the position of fire chief in 1886 and appointed W.C. Meyer as the first fire chief. As Sharpsburg increased in size and population, the need for an additional hose company became apparent and the Keystone Hose Company was formed in 1893. The three fire companies operated with two- and four- wheel hose carts until 1895 and then began using horse-drawn wagons.

In 1928, the fire department was reorganized into two companies – Fire Company No. 1 and Fire Company No. 2 -- and had two pieces of motorized equipment. The department’s proud history also includes the Ambulance Service Corp. which started with the donation of an

ambulance by the American Legion Post 106. In 1994, these services were moved to outside vendors.

In 1974, the department purchased the property where the station currently resides and became incorporated as a non-profit organization the following year. Plans to construct the fire station began and construction took place in 1978 and the mortgage was paid off in 1989. In the mid-1990’s, the department began negotiations with the Borough of Sharpsburg to convert the social hall into office space for the borough employees and another space for council chambers. The borough moved into the leased space in 1996.

The fire service continues today serving not only Sharpsburg but the lower valley and beyond. Members continually strive to become better trained and equipped to meet the challenges of modern firefighting. The department also continues to maintain the goals and objectives established by the original department organizers.