The Barlow Volunteer Fire Company was organized February 10, 1931 at the C.E. Fair’s General store located in Cumberland Township. A group of progressive citizens met with Mr. James B. Auman and D.C Stallsmith of the Gettysburg Fire Company. The citizens, Mr. James and D.C Stallsmith were there to make the speech on the creation and organization of Barlow Fire Department. The election of the department and officers were conducted by James. B Auman and D.C Stallsmith. After the election and creation of Barlow Fire Company, meetings were held every first Tuesday of each month at Willow Grove School. At the original time of organization, there was 25 members. The little village of Barlow was given from the General Barlow who fought in the Gettysburg Campaign. Within a span of three years, there was a total of 68 members. Members from 1934 started raising money for a fireman’s hall. In the year 1934 there was a total of three chimney fires.

In 1938 a parcel of land was purchased and a building program was launched. The building was dedicated in 1938. For many years this building served as a voting place for the Eisenhower family. We had the honor of the late president Eisenhower becoming an honorary member in 1955. This building is still in use by the fire company as our social hall.  In recent years this building has been extensively remodeled by the membership with the addition of a completely renovated kitchen, restrooms, interior and handicap ramp.

Barlow’s first piece of motorized equipment, a 1929 Model A Ford Pumper, arrived on its first scene with Barlow in 1941. The Model A Ford Pumper was purchased from the Gettysburg Fire Company. In addition, with the help of the locals, a new fire truck was built on a Chevrolet two-ton chassis, which was later placed in service in 1947.

More recent events include the construction of an all steel 52’x64’ four bay building in 1982. This building was dedicated in honor and memory of our charter members in July of 1983. In 1985, after much training and the purchase of necessary equipment, our Quick Response Team was organized and began giving medical assistance to the company. Our Q.R. Team was the state certified in May of 1985.

After completing extensive training in vehicle extrication, firefighter rescue, water rescue, and farm rescue the Barlow Fire Company entered into the field of rescue services. These services were first provided by means of a large selection of hand tools which include two ten- ton port-a-powers, a three-ton chain come-a-long, three air chisels, a large selection of 3/8” high strength chain, etc. In December of 1986 the fire company seeing the demand for our services growing, purchased an “Amkus Tool” set including a spreader, ram with extensions, cutters, and electric start power unit. At the same time the company also purchased a 108 ton “Vetter” air bag system.

By 1991 Barlow has accumulated over 60 pieces of large 6”x6” cribbing ranging from 18 inches up to six feet in length to assist with rescue calls. With the exception of the smaller pieces, our cribbing is stored and at the ready in our quarters. This is available to any company needing it.

In 1993 the department found the need of more space. So, there was a 40’x64’ addition built on the rear of the existing engine house. This allowed for additional apparatus space, a recreational room, offices and day kitchen.

As the company continued to grow, the need for space increased. As a result, in 1998 Barlow built another steel pole building for the use of summer fundraisers. This building is located on the side of the property and is 25’x100’ in size. This building is equipped with a kitchen. This allows Barlow to use this building for many summer fundraisers.

In 2007 the department purchased a 24-acre tract of land from the station and the intersection of Barlow-Greenmount Road and Ridge Road. This land was purchased as an investment with no set plans at this time.

Now in 2023, Barlow is still located at the same firehouse. The department is in the stages of getting a new Engine/Rescue that is set to be in service in the early months of 2026. Barlow is working hard on raising the money to pay for this new piece of apparatus.