On Saturday, August 28, 1885 a large group of interested citizens of the community met to organize a fire company for the protection of property. The company was named Alpha Fire Company No. 1. A charter was granted on March 3, 1886. The firehouse was built on East King Street and dedicated on November 18, 1886. The fire bell, which is still atop the engine house, was purchased on January 8, 1887 for $98.62.

A uniform drill team was formed on January 4, 1886. A second drill team was formed in the spring of 1938 but was disbanded during World War II. This unit was reorganized in January 1954.

The first equipment purchased was buckets, hose, a ladder and one hose reel truck for $206.50. This equipment was used until 1896, when a second hand hose carriage and second hand hose truck were purchased. This equipment remained in service until 1910.

The first motorized fire apparatus in Adams County was delivered to the Alpha Fire Company on July 17, 1913 for the cost of $2000.00. In 1919 an up-to-date pumper, an American LaFrance combination pumper and chemical engine, was purchased following a major fire in the business section of South Queen Street.

Since 1910 several renovations have been made to the engine house, including a large addition to the back of the building in 1988. In 1985 a building was erected on the site of the former tennis courts on Locust Street for use during the annual carnival.

In 1974 the fire company assumed the responsibility of providing emergency medical services to the community due to the increasing amount of calls and the decreasing amount of personnel to operate the service. Prior to this time, the service was provided by American Legion Post 321. The Legion turned the ambulance service over to the Borough of Littlestown who in turn transferred it over to the fire company. The ambulance in service at this time was a 1972 Cadillac.

Alpha Fire Company No. 1 Inc. continues to be an all volunteer organization. The Alpha Fire Company thanks the residents of the community for their continued support of our various fund-raising activities.