In May 1894, the Pleasant Hill Village Council authorized the purchase of two single-tank Champion Chemical Engines from the Fire Extinguisher Manufacturing Company of Chicago, marking the inception of the Pleasant Hill Fire Company. Initially, these engines were hand-drawn water tanks, but years later, they were replaced with gasoline-powered trucks designed to transport water and equipment. To ensure comprehensive fire and EMS protection for the citizens of Pleasant Hill and Newton Township, the department has continually upgraded its equipment.
In 1895, the Pleasant Hill Echo, an early newspaper, reported that a salary of $2.00 annually would be paid to each fireman. Although this salary seems small, our volunteer firefighters today aren’t paid much more, only making $2.00 per run. A high point in the department’s early days was the annual oyster supper for firefighters and their families at Christmas time.
In 1951, the original firehouse was replaced by a new building. Behind the old firehouse was the town jail, often occupied by itinerants traveling the roads and begging for food. This room was replaced by a new addition to the firehouse in 1958. Over the past decade, the current firehouse has undergone renovations to include a classroom, meeting room, office space, bunk rooms, and a modern kitchen area.
Our first warning system featured a solid brass bell from the Cincinnati Bell Manufacturing Company, which remained in use until 1957. At that time, we installed a large Federal Signal Siren on our water tower, which overlooked the firehouse. In 1958, a base radio system was purchased, which served the department effectively until a new system was installed in 1986. In 1963, a fire bar equipped with 20 telephones was introduced to enhance internal communication. In March 1990, the department integrated with the Miami County enhanced 911 system. Today, we utilize state-of-the-art communication equipment, with dispatching services provided by the Miami County Communications Center.
In 1952, the department experienced a rare year with no calls. In 1954, the Farmers Exchange fire, perhaps the largest in the department’s history, occurred. Newton Township joined the Village of Pleasant Hill Fire Department in 1955, augmenting our equipment resources for fire protection across Newton Township. In July 1960, the Women’s Auxiliary, known as the “Hot Shots,” was formed with twelve members. Mrs. Alice Burns was the first president. Today, the Auxiliary is self-supporting and assists the firefighters in any way possible during emergencies.
In 1960, the department dealt with a suspected arson fire at the hardware store. In 1962, there was a significant search for the Petersime boy of Covington. In 1963, the McKibben barn fire occurred during extreme weather conditions, with temperatures 20 degrees below zero and a 25-mile-per-hour wind. That same year, the Fire Department began offering volunteer EMS services, becoming one of the first in Miami County to provide rescue services. Today, our department staffs EMS providers around the clock to ensure our community receives the highest standard of care.
In 1984, the Township and Village consolidated to form the joint fire district Pleasant Hill-Newton Township (JFD). The JFD Board of Trustees oversees the department’s fire prevention and EMS services.
In 1994, we commemorated our 100th anniversary of dedicated service to our citizens. A monument was unveiled at a centennial celebration, and the original fire bell remains proudly displayed in front of our firehouse. In 2019, we celebrated our 125th anniversary. Through continued advancements, we strive to provide exemplary service to the citizens of Pleasant Hill and Newton Township. We embody the ethos of “Neighbors helping Neighbors.”
In 2015, due to volunteer EMS personnel shortages, the department launched a pilot program to have 2 paid part-time staff available 24/7 to respond to EMS calls. The program proved successful, and is the model used today. In 2023, volunteers of the community came together to remodel living quarters which provided sleeping quarters, kitchen, and a day room to support in-station staffing. To this day, the Department strives to provide 24/7 part time staffing primarily to respond to EMS calls.
In 2024, there were 344 calls for service.