The Middletown Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. signed Articles of Incorporation on October 28, 2004 by the Union Hose Company No. 1 organized August 19, 1827, the Liberty Steam Fire Company No. 1 organized November 7, 1874 and the Rescue Hose Company No. 3 organized July 16, 1888.

These three companies with combined history of 423 years voted to combine all operations under a single entity to better serve the Boroughs of Middletown and Royalton as well as provide mutual and automatic aid to the region.

Middletown Borough Council presented interest in the mid 1980's, however, at that time companies desired to remain independent. In the late 1990's discussions were formerly initiated to move forward with the merger. These discussions produced By-laws and Standard Operating Guidelines that were adopted and the merger process began.

Approval was granted to form an Interim Government for the first year to begin the process of organizing the department. Then elected officers of the three companies formed this government. They will be replaced January 3, 2006 by a complete slate of elected officers.

Following several votes and revisions to the By-laws and SOG's, an Asset Transfer Agreement was signed on March 22, 2005. This included the consolidation of all properties, financial assests and liabilities.

Future activities include the application for a non-profit status from the Internal Revenue Service and the transfer of vehicle titles and property deeds to the department.

A significant milestone will be an evaluation of the department and resulting recommendations for the future of the community and its emergency services.

This report, conducted by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development will focus on membership, funding, facilities, levels of services, size of the fleet and our relationship with local elected officials.

The members of the Middletown Volunteer Fire Department Inc. look forward to the future with Pennsylvania's newest volunteer fire department.