According to a booklet entitled, 'Complete History of Philipsburg' published in 1895, there was a meeting in September 1893 at the Hope Fire Company. In addition to the Hope and Reliance companies of Philipsburg, there were representatives from Osceola Mills, Houtzdale, DuBois, Clearfield, Bellwood and Tyrone. Thus, Blair, Centre and Clearfield counties were represented. From this meeting came an organization called the 'First District Fire Association of Pennsylvania.'

The 'Daily Journal,' a Philipsburg newspaper, in its edition of August 13, 1916, gives another version of the origin of the organization. It explains that a meeting was held in Osceola Mills in 1892 and from that meeting came the Central District Volunteer Firemen's Association. However, the first actual convention was at Philipsburg in October 1892.

According to the 'Journal', the charter members of Central District were: Alexander Smith and W. C. Langsford of Houtzdale; Charles E. Patton of Curwensville; Frank Weber of Philipsburg; Arthur Baird and Edward C. Bates of Osceola Mills; and James Whitehall of DuBois. Mr.. Smith was elected President and continued to hold that office through 1895. S. S. Cressman of Philipsburg was the first Secretary and E. W. Gray of DuBois was the first Treasurer.

Both the 'Complete History' and the 'Journal' agree that the first annual convention was held at Philipsburg on October 18, 1893. The second convention at DuBois was on August 21, 1894. Some of the events at the 1894 meeting included a 250-yard horse race, a 200-yard hub race, a foot race and a potato race.

In 1908 it was decided that each member fire company could send one delegate as a representative to Central District. Today, each member organization may send three delegates. A fire chief or fire marshal may become a member by virtue of their office. In 1946 the membership was divided into beneficial and non-beneficial classifications. The age of 49 was set as the limit for beneficial membership.

While in convention at Houtzdale in 1912, the Association members marched to the Brisbin Cemetery where an appropriate monument was provided and dedicated by the Association in honor of its first President.

No conventions were held in 1918 and 1942 because of World Wars I & II, respectively. Randall H. Graham of Philipsburg, President in 1932, served for 21 months because no convention host was selected until 3 months before the 1933 conclave.

Over the years, Central District has promoted friendship, legislation and training for the benefit of the individual fire fighter and the entire fire service in the central portion of the state. Largely through the efforts of Central District, the Pennsylvania Fire Academy is located in Lewistown, where it is accessible from all parts of the state. In recent years, the Central District has been presenting both valor and fire safety education awards to recognize individual and organizations, both in and out of the fire service, who make valuable contributions toward safety of our citizens and their communities.

Today, Central District is approaching a membership of 5,000 as it represents more that 250 fire service organizations in more than 20 counties. Roughly, the membership stretches from the Susquehanna River to the Allegheny Mountains and from the border with Maryland to New York State. After serving one year as a delegate, a member retains membership as long as current dues are paid.

The annual convention has been expanded to a three-day event. The convention host is chosen by vote of the membership, with the host company or town having the privilege of naming the Association President for the Convention locations are chosen several years in advance, so that the host may have ample time to make plans and raise funds.

Among the activities at the annual meeting are: a past president's banquet and meeting, a memorial service honoring deceased members, a business session, the selection of a Central District fire queen and a comedy parade. The final day of the convention features the ever-popular contests, including the 'battle of the Barrel' and pumping contests. The grand feature parade concludes the annual convention.

The elected and appointed officers and the various committees compose the Association's Board of Control. The Board meets in the spring and fall each year to transact the routine business of the organization.

As the Central District looks ahead to a second century of service, it is strong, it is growing and its goal continues to be service to the fire fighters of central Pennsylvania.