The original fire company was formed by Bethlehem Mining Corporation in the early 1900's around 1903 and was a paid company. In 1947 it became apparent that there was a need for fire protection provided by someone else since the mining company was now making the houses and buildings in town available for private ownership. The Ellsworth Volunteer Fire Company was formed in 1947 and served all of Ellsworth Borough, and provided fire protection to the neighboring communities of Somerset Township and North Bethlehem Township. The first chief of the Volunteer Company was John Gilmore, who was also the Chief when the Company was ran by the mine. In April of 1988 the fire company established a sub-station in Somerset Township to reduce the response time for emergency calls in Somerset Township. This sub-station is known as the Ellsworth V.F.C. Sub-Station, Station 38-1 and is located across from the 84 Pay Lakes on State Route 136. In March 2008, we were forced to close the sub-station due to declining membership and increasing operating costs. Even with closing this sub station it has not effected the safety of the residents at all. Today the Ellsworth V.F.C. protects Ellsworth Borough, Somerset Township, and North Bethlehem Township as well as mutual aid to surrounding departments. We operate 2 Engines(Pumper),  1 Medic Unit, 1 Attack Truck, and 1 Tanker. We currently have 25 men and women volunteering their time to serve and protect you and your property. We respond to an average of 500 alarms each year and provide fire, rescue and ems service to about 5300 residents living in 56 square miles.