The Pughtown Volunteer Fire Department was incorporated on October 17, 1953 “for the purpose of extinguishing fires in the town of Pughtown, West Virginia.” The department was organized by members of the community, including William J. Stewart, first president; John Dawson, vice-president; Ralph Huff, secretary-treasurer; Harl Stover, fire chief; and Fred Herron, assistant chief.

The first truck was a 1937 Chevrolet pumper purchased from Slovak Fire Company for $500. It was reconditioned by the firemen for $732 and painted white.

The first fire station was a small garage in an alley off of Pughtown’s main street. On September 6, 1955, a proposal was made to build a new fire station. The property for the new station was purchased from the Hancock County Board of Education for $1.00. On September 3, 1957, the first meeting in the new building was held with 11 members attending. This building still stands as part of the current New Manchester Volunteer Fire Department, although several additions have been added. The first addition, constructed in the 1960’s, a club room behind the two original truck bays.

In 1966, a second pumper was purchased; it was a green 1949 Ford purchased from the New Castle Fire Department in New Castle, PA.

On May 6, 1968, by a vote of its’ members, the Pughtown Volunteer Fire Department amended their charter and changed their name to New Manchester Volunteer Fire Department. The purpose of the organization was amended to state “for the purpose of extinguishing fires and providing protection against losses by fire in the New Manchester area of Hancock County, West Virginia, and such other places as from time to time may be covered by agreements with other fire department.”

Also in 1968, a new Ford pumper was purchased from Tom Carcala for $28,000. Both Fords were used until 1978, when a new truck was purchased to replace the 1949 model.

In 1983, a new 2250-gallon International tanker was purchased from Four Guys Fire Apparatus in Meyersdale, PA. The $97,000 truck was paid for with fire levy money.

Another addition was added to the station in 1984, adding two additional bays on the south side of the station and two in front of the original part of the building.

In 1989, a 1955 Willys Jeep was purchased from the Bethany Fire Department in Bethany, WV. It was reconditioned by the firemen and used as a brush truck.

In 1990, a 1972 Ward LaFrance pumper, completely refurbished, was purchased from Allegheny Fire Apparatus in Ona, West Virginia, for $107,000. This truck was also paid for with fire levy money, and it replaced the 1968 Ford. Also in 1990, new restrooms and a kitchen were added to the station.

Another new pumper was added to the fleet in 2003 - Engine 50 replaced the 1972 Ward LaFrance after it suffered severe mechanical failure.

Construction of a new 2200 square foot bingo hall began in the fall of 2004. While outside contractors were hired to build the structure of the addition, the interior work, including ceiling and wiring, was all completed by members of the department. The new hall opened for use on April 28, 2005 for bingo.