Fire has always been a constant threat to a community, long ago each family kept a special bucket for an emergency. When a fire broke out, every one in the neighborhood was expected to respond. Fire brigades were formed starting at the yard pump. Buckets were filled and passed from person to person. In case of a house fire, one gang tried to save the furniture. Barn fires were also a tragedy when fought by the bucket brigade.

As years passed fire fighting advanced as special equipment came on the market. At first Madison Township depended on outside assistance. The southern part of the township was serviced by fire departments from Trenton and Wayne Township. while the Poasttown area had coverage from Germantown. But the need for local protection became evident. On Oct. 2 1, 1953, a grass fire spread from near the Harry Augspurger farm on Howe Road into Miltonville, and area covering 5 acres of land. Due to the help of the Wayne Township Fire Department, local property was saved. To repay them for their assistance, a community collection was taken up by Mildred Gentry Myers. Residents then met in the Salvation Army's building to discuss the situation, and decided to form a fire department to cover the surrounding area.

Mr. and Mrs. Bert Townsend's loan of $500 enabled the group to purchase a used 1934 Ford fire truck from the Village of Overpeck to be housed in his barn until a firehouse could be built. The old Miltonville school bell was donated by Bert Snyder to be used as the fire alarm. It was installed on Elmer Shrout's property on Howe Road.

The ambitious group met again to discuss plans to build a firehouse. On Labor Day, in 1954, with plans drawn up by Paul Kirchner, construction begun on a lot at 4398 Elk Creek Road, purchased from John and Mayme Shafer. With volunteer labor, the building was completed Oct, 30, 1954. The Women's Auxillary was organized by Dorothy Keyser in 1954. Its purpose was to assist firemen in raising money for equipment. Projects were bake sales, dinners, and ice cream socials. Funds were raised not only to fire equipment, but kitchen equipment, table, chairs and silverware for the
firehouse.

Both firemen and auxillary did their best to meet the high cost operation, but due to legal requirements and maintenance, it was evident that more support was needed. They looked to the Madison Township Board of Trustee, who put a bond issue on the ballot in 1955. promising to provide fire protection for the whole township. The issue passed by a great majority. Two pumpers were purchased, and two fire stations were soon in operation: South at Miltonville, No. 1, and north at Poasttown, No.2. The old schoolhouse at Poasttown, vacated by the Grange was remodeled for the fire station. Among the Fire Chiefs who have served was George Keyser, who was first and in charge of the Miltonville Station when it opened. When the second station came on line, Robert Laubach served as Chief of both stations. Among others have been: Meredith Nelson, Robert Ledford, Dee Harlan, Merle Rhodes, and then John Davis.

In 1978 another bond issue provided for the purchase of two new pumpers. The township then removed two houses at the corner of Elk Creek and Howe Roads to form a park next to the Miltonville Station.

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