The year was 1903 and residents living in the area, which was to become the Borough of Audubon, had been stunned by two disastrous fires. One, the Mackintosh Rug Factory, burnt to the ground and resulted in the loss of life. The other completely destroyed a local poultry farm.

Although fire protection was provided by the Defender Fire Company of nearby Orston, local leaders felt the need to create a firefighting department of their own. Audubon was nearing reality and changes were already transforming Audubon from rural farmland, into a more populous residential community.

By the end of the year, an informal organization dedicated to the extinguishment of fires had formed. On April 9, 1906, 25 local residents met at the Audubon Casino, a social hall and officially formed the Audubon Volunteer Fire Company No 1. By May, the first election of officers produced J. A. Herold as the president and M. Meconnahey as the first chief.

From the beginning and for about 14 years, the "Bucket Brigade" was the primary means of fighting fires. Blazes were fought by passing buckets of water hand to hand. These buckets were purchased by the members who kept them at their houses. When an alarm sounded, the volunteers would respond directly to the fire.

During the first year, the company had purchased a lot to build a fire station. The lot was located on Merchant Street facing Virginia Avenue and continues to service as the company location.

In 1907, the first station was erected, but by the 1920’s, the station proved to be unsuitable for "modern" firefighting needs. It was subsequently torn down and replaced with a two-story structure. On the first floor, two bays housed the fire apparatus and the second floor served as a meeting room and social hall. At one end of the hall there was a stage which was used during the many community activities held at the hall. The Fire Company served as the social center for the young borough. This building presently remains much as it’s original structure.

In 1917, the company received their first piece of fire apparatus. It was a 120-gallon chemical tank mounted on a 2-wheel cart. This piece of equipment was pulled by a team of horses or the men themselves. Not having the facilities or money to care for the horses, local lore relates that the Fire Company would pay a small "honorarium" to the person who brought the first team of horses to the station when the alarm sounded.

A friendly rivalry developed between the Nicholson farm, which was to the west, and the Jarvis farm on the east. To these farm families, it was not the "honorarium" that proved to be the true enticement as much as it was earning the competitive distinction of being the first with the fastest horses.

It should be noted during these early years the company had a member named William Troutt, who actively served as a fire fighter and as vice president of the company.

During World War I, William Troutt enlisted in the U.S. Army and subsequently died from enemy machine gun fire while fighting in France.

When Audubon formed it’s chapter of the American Legion, it was named Murray-Troutt Post 262 in honor of William Troutt and James Murray, another Audubon resident who died while serving in the war.

In 1919, the members raised enough funds to purchase a seven passenger Oldsmobile touring car. The members cut off the upper body, added a tank and after several modifications, the fire company possessed it’s first piece of motorized equipment.

The following year, the company added another two-wheel car that was used to hold 400 feet of hose. This wagon was pulled by men or horses.

Audubon received its first "modern" piece of fire apparatus in 1921. It was a new 500-gallon Mack pumper. Along with the "refurbished" Oldsmobile, Audubon Fire Company had its first completely motorized fire station.

The Borough of Audubon assumed responsibility for purchasing fire equipment in 1927 and bought the Fire Company a 1927 American LaFrance 750-gallon pumper.

From it’s inception, the Audubon Volunteer Fire Company No 1 quickly rose in prominence through out South Jersey. Generally regarded with a reputation for excellence, professionalism, and innovation, the company made several contributions to the fire service it it’s early years.

The many trophies adorning the company walls are indicative of how highly the company has been regarded throughout the area for so many years.

In 1928, the Fire Company established New Jersey’s first fire school for volunteers from all over South Jersey. Battalion Chief George Ferrier of the Philadelphia Fire Department was the first instructor of the school.

The Borough of Audubon also credits the fire company with founding the first rescue squad to be organized as part of a volunteer fire company in New Jersey. The squad was formed in 1930, before rescue equipment become common in the fire service. Members of the company were required to learn first aid, and rescue operations in addition to their regular fire duties.

Shortly after organizing it’s rescue squad, the company obtained a metal ex-Navy lifeboat. After modifying it for rescue needs, the company was soon being called throughout South Jersey. Calls ranged from ship collisions on the Delaware River, to drownings in area waterways.

In later years, the rescue formed it’s own entity.

The Audubon Volunteer Fire Company remains to be highly visible in the community though it’s on going community fire prevention program, as well as the Annual Christmas Fireman’s Parade.