In 1935 the Borough purchased the first new pumper for the Fire Company, a 1935 American LaFrance. The new engine was delivered by flat car at the railroad station. This replaced a 1924 Reo fire truck that was sold to the New Jersey National Guard at Sea Girt.
Until 1936, the closest ambulance service to Milford was located in Flemington and charged 30 cents a mile if it were needed. Earl Schaible suggested acquiring an ambulance with the funds raised from an upcoming carnival and the idea was popular among the members. Money was solicited from the local communities to assist and in 1937 a new ambulance arrived for the cost of $2,450.00. The ambulance was immediately placed into service. The Fire Company made no charge for their services but depended entirely on donations. Their services had expanded from a first aid squad to a well-trained rescue squad. A boat and trailer were later added for rescue work on the river.
In 1941 with the breakout of World War II, many of our local fireman were called into service. During the war years a Civil Defense committee was appointed and held meetings in the firehouse to appoint people for particular jobs. The firehouse was the Civil Defense headquarters and was manned 24 hours a day by volunteers. The war was a very trying time for the fireman as so much was expected of them in case of enemy action.
In 1946 the Borough Council had come to the point that they needed more space for their records. The firemen consented to let them construct offices on the second floor of the firehouse. They were later informed that the Borough could not repair or construct offices in any building they did not own. With the firehouse in need of repairs and the possibility of the Borough Council might have to move quarters the Company came to the conclusion that it would be better to sell the building in the long run. The fire company sold the building to the borough with the agreement that the company has lifetime rights to the garage portion for $2000.00.
In 1959 after 24 years of service the 1935 LaFrance was sold and the Borough purchased a new American LaFrance.
In the early 1960’s the fire company was looking to continue to grow and expand its capacity to service its district. They discovered that the “Capra Building” was available for purchase and was able to negotiate a price of $25,000.00. In 1970 the stone front was donated by Raymond “Ted” Sharpe which greatly enhanced the look of the building and a plaque in his memory was imbedded in the stone. In 1976 the original fire alarm was relocated from the Presbyterian Church and located its present location. After the building was purchased renovations took place with help from members and local business. Original renovations to the building were completed in 1969, with additional additions being completed in 1972 and 1981.
In 1992 one half of the original fire pull box alarm system was removed and the balance was removed in 2010. In 1993 the Company removed the old siren tower in the Burnt Mills area that had been used until 1970. Two of the original pull box alarms are still located in the borough, one on the main station and one on the old firehouse. These pull boxes are still in service and will trigger the fire alarm if needed.
Throughout the early 2000s the Company had received numerous grants allowing us to further prepare for emergencies and upgrade our equipment. Most frontline apparatus were upgraded or replaced. With the American-LaFrance company going out of business the Company made the switch to Salisbury Fire Apparatus then later to Pierce Apparatus.
On November 20th, 1911 with 14 volunteers the Milford Hose Company No. 1 was organized. William Balliet was elected as the first foreman, later changed to chief. The first equipment ordered was some hose and nozzles. Equipment was transported to fires in fireman’s cars until a hose cart was purchased in 1912. The cart was pulled by fireman, who had to keep running and hold on tightly for fear of being run over by the cart. The cart was last used when a church burned in February 1940. The cart is still owned by the fire company and can be seen at local parades and events.
The first form of an alerting system was purchased in April 1912. A locomotive tire was purchased from the Pennsylvania Railroad and suspend ed from an iron frame and placed in the Presbyterian Church lot near the bridge. The iron tire was struck with a sledgehammer to sound an alarm. This system was used until 1933 when a more modern system was installed.
In October 1923 the Company purchased the Methodist Church on Water Street for $1500.00. The Upstairs was turned into a meeting hall and the Borough was given permission to meet there. The Company borrowed $3500.00 to renovate the building to house new apparatus. This building is still in use by the Borough and the Fire Company to this day.
Milford was not properly incorporated until March 13,1925. At that time, Borough Clerk Joseph Case, who was also serving as the fire company chief, was advised that the election returns of the Borough had not been filed with the county clerk. After contact with our senator for Hunterdon County he had it officially incorporated through the state legislature and signed by the governor. This took place about one year after the company was incorporated and renamed “The Milford N.J. Fire Company, Inc.” in April of 1924.
In 1949 the Fire Company found that the ambulance was not being maintained and kept clean as it should be. A motion was passed to elect a committee to see that proper care would be maintained. The head of the committee would be in charge of running the ambulance operation. he preformed the duties that are now performed by the captain of the rescue squad but was under the title of chief driver. This was so the titles would not conflict with any fire company titles. From 1950 thru 1954, Frank Aller was the chief driver. During 1954, the fire company formed the rescue squad with its own by-laws and its own treasurer but all other offices were the same personnel as the fire company. The first captain, Donald Williams, was elected in 1955. On December 7, 1977 the fire company and rescue squad separated.
In 1971 our company accepted its first woman member. Since the Fire Company and Rescue Squad were a single entity at that time, it was necessary for a female to join the Fire Company in order to be active on the Rescue Squad. Mrs. Arlene Pursell was a licensed practical nurse. After her initiation into the company and her training as a firefighter, she then was able to put her best efforts into Rescue. Mrs. Pursell did an excellent job in both the Fire Company and Rescue Squad, and the company is proud of her accomplishments. Over the years our company has had multiple female firefighters on our roster.
1981 became another banner year when our original 1935 LaFrance was discovered by fireman Dick Rauch. The engine was located at The Sandy Lakes Golf course where it was used as a watering truck for the greens. The truck was owned by the Saucon Valley, PA Fire Company and was lent to the golf club. The engine was purchased back for the original price of $500.00 and has been refurbished ever since. The land for the sub station was donated by Mrs. Alice Pinkerton in memory of her late husband, John Pinkerton, in 1981. A plaque commemorating the donation was installed at the station, which provides much better coverage in the Little York-Mt. Pleasant area. The building was built by members of the company saving on costs and houses a engine, tender and the 1935 American LaFrance.
In 2015 the Company realized they were continuing to grow and space was running thin. The house next to the current firehouse was abandoned and for sale. A decision was made to purchase the lot in hopes of building a addition in the future. The house which was uninhabitable was used for training then tore down and the space is being used for parking. 2021 the Company began looking for a new apparatus to expand their capabilities. With new apparatuses costing more than $1,000,000.00 the decision to by a used truck was made. A 2006 American-LaFrance ladder truck was found in great condition in Clayton, Delaware. After seeing and testing the truck first hand the two companies had negotiated a price of $100,000.00. The truck was purchased outright by the Company through savings and donations. A temporary tent has been placed in the empty lot to house the truck in warm months.
Going forward, the Company is currently working with NJDEP and the Borough of Milford to design and bring to life a new addition to the main station to house our ladder truck and other equipment.