The roots of the district originate with tradition and accomplishment.  In the 1920's, 30's and 40's the Basil Fire Department, Baltimore Fire Department and Liberty Township Fire Departments were formed.  In 1952 the Basil Fire Department, initiated an "emergency squad."  Members were trained at Basic and Advanced First Aid levels.  This volunteer service was not only the first in Fairfield County, but also in the region.  Responses into Walnut Township, Thurston, Greenfield and Pleasant Townships were routine.  In 1953, the Basil and Baltimore Fire Departments merged as Baltimore Fire Department.  Basil moved from their station at Market and High Streets in Baltimore  from the Town Hall into a new fire station at Market and Water Streets.  From here, they provided fire response to the Village of Baltimore and emergency squad services to the entire area.  Liberty Township provided fire service from its station located on Market Street between Union and Oak Street.

In 1964, the State of Ohio developed and began to offer the "Emergency Victim Care Course" for personnel of emergency squads.  The Baltimore department were all cross trained and successfully completed this course.  Throughout the years, the certification courses were expanded became more details, and the service became known as Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

In 1972, three members of the Baltimore Fire Department completed the Columbus Fire Department Paramedic course.. Working with their local Medical Director, Dr. Gordon Snyder, paramedic level service (first in the country) was initiated.  Later that year 17 additional members completed the paramedic course.  Baltimore Fire Department was one of the first all volunteer 24-hour paramedic units in the state and in the country.

In 1981, Baltimore and Liberty Township by approval of the voters of the township and the Village of Baltimore, merged into the Basil Joint Fire District.  It existed only on paper until it took over operations on 01 January 1982.  All of the departments had a long history of excellent service and a reputation of proper tradition and innovation in both fire and EMS

The Basil Joint Fire District of today continues to build upon this long tradition of accomplishments, and as a result continues to receive high marks from our residents, business people, and elected officials within the district....