In the year 1835 among the laws enacted was the ordinance to organize the citizens into fire companies. This ordinance was entitled: "An ordinance to regulate one or more fire companies in Taneytown." It commands that "all white male citizens between the ages of 18 and 50 shall be organized into one or more fire companies", that "each of said companies shall consist of a president, vice president, one or more engineers, two ladder men. two hook men, two axe men, two linemen, one or more key keepers, and as many pump, bucket and rope men as are contained within the limits of said town. They may come together and elect their own officers, but if they do not, the Burgess is to appoint a president who is to notify the men to attend, to call the role, mark the absentees, report them to the Burgess, and they are to be tried by the court of appeals provided for in ordinance and if not excused are to be fined 25 cents for each time they refuse to attend and go through with the fire drill". Evidently they had large ideas about the danger of fire, and their own power to compel men to serve.

The present Company was organized in Taneytown, October 18, 1897. Dr.C. Birnie was elected President; George H. Birnie, Vice President; L.D. Reid, Secretary; J.S. Fink, Treasure, and Ab Hess, Foreman.

The meeting of December 14, 1897 the President appointed a committee of three to confer with the Burgess and Commissioners as to providing a suitable place  for keeping reel, hose, etc.... This same commitee was instructed to make inquiry as to equipments necessary for the Company and to ascertain the price of same. The committee appionted were Prof. H. Meier, J.S. Fink and Ab Hess. On December 27, 1897 this committe was instructed to purchase ladders, hooks, axes, buckets, lanterns, six coats, six caps and1 two wheel truck and ladders, as specified in their report. Also 36 badges not to exceed twenty-five cents each and that each member to pay for his own. The committee had requested the Lutheran Church Council for use of their bell, but at this report had not received and answer.

In the early meetings of 1898 the Company rented storage room of Harry Koons to keep the reel and hose. Committees were named to take charge of different duties and a special committee named to write the by-laws. This was the year the basic principles of volunteer fire work was laid in Taneytown to which farsighted members set goal for members of the future organization to follow. They joined the Maryland State Fireman's Association that year, and during these first few years they held entertainments, dances, suppers, picnics, parades, solicitations, etc. to make money in order to carry on volunteer fire work. During the years, most of these functions are still carried on as outlined by the progressive men of that era.

In December 1898, the President instructed the original :housing committee: to go before town council about a building. The committee reported an agreement had been reached that: A committee of six be appointed, three from Fire Company and three form Town Council, whose duty it shall be to erect a fire building.

Nothing happened until October 7, 1900, when Committee went before the Twon Councill again in regard to scouting a building. Town Council was in symapathy with the Fire Company but owing to the necessary expenses it was impossible for them to appropriate any of the town funds for that purpose at present.

Again the subject was discussed December 6, 1901 and the President was instructed to ask the Town Council to make a definite proposition to the Fire Company as to regard to building an engine house, if the Town Council declines to make a definite proposition the Fire Company will consider the matter and endeavor to make a definite proposition to the Town Council.

Then we find a deed dated May 12, 1902 conveying a lot (where the former Taneytown Firemen's Building now stands (now City Police station and City Hall)) from Charles B. Schwartz and wife to The Burgess and Commissioners of Taneytown.

Records show a special meeting was called September 19, 1902 by President George H. Birnie for the purpose of making arrangements for the dedication of hte Town Hall. They discussed a program for the purpose of making a project to raise funds to furnishing furnace for the hall.

The Company was called for a business session May 6, 1903 for the purpose of hearing the  report of the executive committee on dedication of the Firemen's Building.

The years have seen many changes in the service to the community provided by the Taneytown Volunteer Fire Company.