Through action by Town Council on October 1, 1831, the Greencastle Fire Company, made up of every white male resident of the borough and paying a tax was formed. Every person enrolled shall provide himself with a good and sufficient bucket made of strong leather and a jacket. Every person neglecting or refusing shall forfeit and pay the sum of fifty cents for
every training day he is unprovided. With members identified as engine men,
bucket men, and a few ladder men, fire protection in Greencastle was born.

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The American Steam Fire Engine Company was organized in 1884. After years of friction with Town Council, the Steam Fire Engine Company disbanded in 1892, after Council posted notice on the fire station that it had "taken over the Fire Hall and contents" and warned all unauthorized persons to stay out.

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During the 1890's, while the town was proud of its steam fire engine, its fire companies appeared to be unorganized. When an alarm of fire was sounded from the town clock bell, turnout was scarce and often untrained.

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In 1896, the Rescue Hose Company No. 1 was formed. Starting with limited equipment, the company soon established themselves as "cool and efficient firefighters". On May 5, 1904, the Borough Council turned over all fire equipment to the care of the RHC.

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The Rescue Hose Company Ambulance Squad was started on October 1, 1967, with initial equipment donated by two local Funeral Directors- who had run the service until that time. While formed as a separate entity, this organization is now an important part of the RHC's total fire protection and emergency medical services package.

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A move to a new station on South Carlisle Street, an addition and renovation there during the 1970's, and then the latest shift in 1998 to South Washington Street have addressed constantly expanding service requirements.

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While many changes have occurred over the 108 years that the Rescue Hose Company No. 1 has been in existence, some things have remained the same. While membership is now open to all and comprised of men and women ages 14 and over, the organization still strives to provide professional fire, rescue and emergency medical services to Greencastle, Antrim Township, and surrounding communities.

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