The Branchville Hose Company is not in one sense a "volunteer" fire department although its roster of twenty-five members all serve on a voluntary basis. It is in essence a self-supporting organization, owning its equipment and fire house. It has a contract with Branchville for approximately $4,000 per year, and earns other income from donations by townsfolk.

The original company was established in 1910, and in 1925 graduated from hand operated equipment when a ponderous Brockway Torpedo Fire Truck was purchased. That honorable veteran of many fires is retained as an exhibition piece. The company presently owns a 1957 Ward-La France fire truck, a 1940 Mack truck, and a 1964 Dodge van used to haul equipment.

The fire house is in the center of town and is used as a voting place. The second floor is used for many municipal purposes including Council meetings, town court, and for the Deptment of Health. The first "Municipal Hall" used for the Council meetings is described as being 14 feet by 24 feet, with a 5 foot porch. It was abandoned in 1937 and the present fire house was built. There are plans to build a new fire house, and that may be started this year(1971).*See special note at end of page*

The fire chief serves one year and is elected annually. The first chief was W.F. Dye.