Organized in 1879 under the name The Friendship Fire Association, the fire company was reorganized under the name New Bethlehem Fire Company #1 in 1904. It was again reorganized in 1932 under the name New Bethlehem Fire Company #1 and Relief Association.

It has served the borough of New Bethlehem and it’s surrounding area for many years. Since its formation two other fire companies have formed within a five mile area of New Bethlehem (Hawthorn Fire Company and Distant Fire Company).

The changes in New Bethlehem Fire Company have been many of the years. Housed originally in the borough building, the fire department now has it’s own building. It houses five pieces of equipment. The current site, which was purchased by and renovated over the years by volunteers, also provides a large hall and kitchen for community use, large meetings, banquets and weddings. It also has a small room for instructional purposes and the volunteers private meeting room. The fire hall is also the Emergency Operations Center in a time of disaster.

The fire department is staffed by all volunteer members, They annually elect a Chief, Assistant Chief, Captain, 1ST Lt and 2nd Lt. who command the members when called upon.

The business part of the company is comprised of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Doorman, and seven Trustees who oversee the use of the building and its equipment.