The Gettysburg Fire Department, located in Adams County Pennsylvania, has a long and proud history of public service to the community of Gettysburg and the surrounding areas. The first fire protection in Gettysburg was provided by a bucket brigade in accordance with mandatory action by town council in 1806. In 1808, in addition to the existing bucket brigade, an engine company, an axe company, and a ladder company were formed. Gettysburg's first "non-hand power" engine, a Silsby Steam Fire Engine, arrived in 1886. Named the "General Meade," the Silsby can still be seen today in the department's museum. The first modernized truck arrived in 1912, and since then the department has grown until we are at the point we are today; an all volunteer department that runs more than 500 fire/rescue calls a year, and more than 1900 ambulance calls a year.