Back in 1905 a fire wrought serious damage to a home on Old Elm Street near Light Street which was occupied by the Charles Kelly family. The citizens of the Connaughtown section of Plymouth Township then realized that the community was vulnerable to fire and had great need for local fire protection.

Consequently, John J. O’Neil, proprietor of the West End Hotel at Old Elm and Light Streets, organized a meeting of residents to discuss fire service for the community. It was decided that a piece of fire equipment was necessary immediately. A committee, consisting of John O’Neil and Charley Kelly, was named to carry out the wishes of the residents.

The committee proceeded to buy a two-wheel hand drawn hose carriage and Clay couplings for the hose. This hose carriage was housed in the carriage house at the West End Hotel. The committee then had three fire hydrants installed and connected to the water mains in the community. The fire alarm system established at that time consisted of a bell, donated by James Beaty, which was placed on top of a pole at the West End Hotel.

In November of 1906 the organizers of the first fire company in Plymouth Township obtained a charter in the Name of The Plymouth Fire Company No. 1.