On the morning of May 6, 1949, fire broke out in the Harold Jackson home on cemetery road.  Mrs. Helen Jackson, along with six of her sons whose ages ranged from ten years old to one year old died in the fire.  As a result of this disaster, the community moved to form a volunteer fire department.  Funds were raised to purchase a fire truck and a community effort was launched to build a fire hall.  On July 14, 1949, The New Bremen Fire Department was officially formed.  The meeting was chaired by George Foley and the first officers elected were; Theodore Virkler, Chief; Cliff Virkler, Assistant Chief; Francis (Lank) Duffer, Foreman; Harold Wilder, Assistant foreman; Hugh Eaton, Secretary and Clarence Golden, treasurer.

 On July 27, 1949, the department purchased a 1929 Sanford pumper from Burrville for $600.00.  Money to purchase the truck was loaned by Ted Virkler, who also provided garage space for the equipment until a fire house was built.  To raise money, chicken dinners, ice cream socials and other fundraising activities were held.  These fundraisers often netted over $500.  A lot was purchased on the Artz Road for $50.00 and construction of a new firehouse began.  Also in 1949, a 1938 Ford cab and chassis and a 600 gallon tank were acquired by the fire department for $375.00 and assembled by the volunteers.  The department incorporated on December 26, 1950.  Charter members of the department were; Ted Virkler, Cliff Virkler, Francis ‘lank’ Duffer, Harold Wilder, Hugh Eaton, Clarence Golden, Vernon Windover, Glenn Sealy, George Foley, Marvin Moser, William Becker, Howard Russell, Louis Merzaros, Gerald Eaton, Duane Windover, Nate Hoffer, Stanley Devenies, Louis Becker, Louis Weaver, John Mezarous and Daniel Lehman. 

In 1952, Ted Virkler advocated the formation of a district to levy taxes on the properties in the fire district and become financially independent on the town board for funds.  On October 14, 1952 the State Comptroller granted permission for a district to be formed.  The first Commissioners of the New Bremen fire district were; Cliff Virkler, Norbert Steiner, Sam Zehr, Theodore Virkler and Howard Farney.  George Mattis was elected secretary – treasurer for a five year term.

Presently, the New Bremen Fire Department is located on State Route 812 in New Bremen.  The current fire hall was built in 1994 largely by volunteer labor.  The fire department currently has the following vehicles:

-          2001 Sterling Pumper (2000 gpm)

-          1979 Ford Pumper (750 gpm)

-          2009 Mack Tanker (3400 gal)

-          1981 International Tanker (2700 gal)

-          1993 Equipment Van