Chartered in 1949, the Monroe Township Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 ran between 30-50 calls a year, most of them being brush fires. The three-bay firehouse (shown below) was built by the members in 1950.
As time went on, the town population grew, which in turn boosted the call volume. Two other fire companies were formed to help protect the expanding township: these being the Applegarth Volunteer Engine Company No. 1, and the Central Monroe Fire Department.
Seeking independence from the other fire companies, the Township of Monroe was petitioned to form separate fire districts. The township agreed, and Monroe Township was separated in three independent fire districts. District #1 would be protected by the Monroe Township Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1, District #2 would be protected by the Applegarth Volunteer Engine Co. No. 1, and District #3 would be protected by the Central Monroe Fire Department.
