Before the turn of the century, there was a bustling community on Perry Highway known as the Village of Perrysville. Perrysville was the focus point of activity for the North Hills as it was the toll plaza of the Wood Plank Road of the communities to the north. It was a stopping place for merchants and farmers taking their goods to the markets in Pittsburgh. Historians have referred to the city of Pittsburgh as "the town south of Perrysville". With this activity came the need for fire protection. Thus, came the formation of the John English Fire Company in the early 1880's. Fore the next several decades it was not uncommon for the fire company to answer calls as far north as Warrendale. The original fire apparatus was a horse drawn chemical fire engine.

In 1908, due to a dispute over a fire, a group of firemen left the John English Fire Company and formed the Perrysville Fire Company. The two companies competed for firefighting duties for the next ten years. Due to poor management, the Perrysville Fire Company found itself on the verge of bankruptcy. The John English Fire Company was also in need of members because of the split of the two companies. So, on July 1, 1918, the two companies decided to merge. A vote was taken on the name of the Company and it was decided by the members to change the name to Perrysville Fire Company.

In order for any company to function, it has to be able to pay its expenses. Early expenses of the Perrysville Fire Company were for items such as: harness parts, soda, acid, bottles, corks and coal. Later expenses such as extension ladders, extinguishers, gasoline and insurance had to be paid.

Money for these expenses was raised from various fund raising activities. Some of these activities were: oyster suppers, billiards, ice cream sales and strawberry festivals. They would also raise funds by making the Engine House a "Moving Picture Theatre". The majority of these fund raisers were presented by the Ladies Auxiliary of the PerrySville Fire Company. These ladies played a major role in the growth and financial stability of the fire company.

Progression is very important and the Perrysville Fire Company began to accomplish this in 1923. The old fire bell was retired and a new electric siren was purchased from the Sears & Roebuck Company. Also in 1923, a new Ford truck was purchased. Seven years later, a new Dodge truck was purchased, and in 1935, the fire company again updated their alarm system to a federal alarm.

The Perrysville Fire Company also began to hold a yearly parade and carnival, which became one of the best in Pennsylvania. Companies from all over would attend to make it one of the largest parades in the state. This parade would also draw the best marching bands and drill teams in the state, most of these groups cancelling other engagements to attend Perrysvilles parade.

As the Township of Ross continued to grow, the Perrysville Fire Company served as the cornerstone as additional fire companies were formed. The Perrysville Fire Company was very instrumental in helping to train new members and assisting these new companies. With training and hard work an excellent association was built, the Ross Township Firemen's Association, and as we all know, structures are raised beginning with the cornerstone, Thanks to the Perrysville Fire Company.