The Berlin Fire Department was organized in 1903. With the installation of fire hydrants in 1903, two separate fire companies were organized. H.F. Ball served as Captain of the East End Company while J. Henry Landis served as Captain of the West End Company. R.C. Heffley served as Fire Chief of both companies for a number of years.

Both companies merged into the Berlin Volunteer Fire Department in 1921. Officers were: President, W.H. Dively; Secretary, Frank L. Thompson; Treasurer, H.F. Ball, and Fire Chief, John O. Ream. The first motorized fire fighting vehicle was purchased in 1922 from the American LaFrance Fire Engine Company of Elmira, New York. The first fire engine pumper was bought in 1928. A second fire truck was purchased in 1937 from the American LaFrance Company.

Berlin was the first fire company in Somerset County, PA to join with the Somerset County Civil Defense and fire radio network. With the cooperation of the Berlin Borough Council, the fire department purchased shortwave radio equipment consisting of a base unit, two mobile units and two portable units. Installation of this equipment was completed in 1955.

The Firemen moved into their present facilities along North Street in 1965. The Berlin Community Building houses the borough offices, firemen's Ladies Auxiliary and the Fire Department's equipment.