In the spring of 1928, on a Sunday morning, a house on Main Street caught fire. The closest fire companies, located in Barnegat and Toms River would take about a half hour to respond. While waiting for help, Leopold Gille paced back and forth with his head bowed; hands behind his head and repeated “if we only had a fire company!”

Following the fire, Edward Brown and Chester Treloar recruited local residents to pursue the creation of a fire company. Township Committeeman Dan Wilbert advised them that the fire company could not be formed unless permission was approved by the residents. Chester Treloar then had legal papers drawn up by Percy Camp Esq. and presented them to the Township Committee.

On December 7, 1928, with sixty-three members present the first meeting took place at Community Hall. The organization was named “Forked River Volunteer Fire Company of Lacey Township” and the first officers elected were Chief Chester Treloar, President Malcolm Dunn, Vice President Edward Brown, Secretary Fred Barkalow and Treasurer John Irving Grant.

In 1929, the fire department had a busy year establishing itself. The township appropriated a budget of $800.00 for maintenance and operations. Money was also raised, with the help of the Ladies Auxiliary by hosting fund raisers such as oyster dinners, shooting matches and carnivals.

On April 12, 1929, under the leadership of Chief Chester Treloar and President Malcolm Dunn, the department became incorporated. The membership then decided to purchase the Fidelity Hall building on Route 9 from Al Grant. The building was then transported to Station Drive where the first headquarters was established.

The first fire apparatus in service was a 1929 Hahn Fire Pumper and in 1930 the Ladies Auxiliary purchased a 1926 REO Speedwagon Hose Cart. Since there were no hydrants available at the time water was drafted from lakes, rivers, streams and the bay to fight fires.