On March 26, 1941, a group of Apple Creek citizens met to discuss organization of a volunteer fire department. Up until that time, local fire protection was very inadequate. The number of buildings and businesses in the area was increasing and so were the insurance rates. Cloyce Orr was elected first Fire Chief of the new department and Paul Miller Assistant Chief. D.J. Hull was elected president; Russell Sells, vice president; Robert Sherrard, treasurer; and W.J. Greegor, secretary. The charter members are listed on the plaque in the new Paul Miller Memorial structure.

They had no training, money or equipment, except a bell to sound the alarm and the hand-drawn two-wheeled hose cart. What this group of men did have was the desire, a dedication and a determination to provide the citizens of the village and the surrounding area better means of protection against fire loss.

The foundation was laid for one of the best volunteer fire departments in the county. Committees were appointed to evaluate equipment available, to contact the State Fire Marshal and nearby departments, arrange for courses of instruction and devise means of raising funds.