The fire department of the Town of Milford was known as the Milford Fire Company and was formed in 1838.  The fire department of that day was entirely volunteer and would remain so until 1915 when two paid firefighters were hired from the ranks of Arctic Engine Company No. 1.  The name of the department was changed in 1858 with the purchase a new fire engine called the "Arctic".  Arctic Engine Company No. 1 would remain the only fire company in the town for nearly sixty years, when due to several major fires the decision was made to localized fire companies. The Woodmont Fire Company was formed in 1897, Walnut Beach Company in 1905, Fort Trumbull Beach Company in 1909, Devon Volunteer Fire Department in 1910 and Myrtle Beach Fire Company in 1912.

                      In 1917 all volunteer fire companies operated independantly and under their own fire chiefs.  In that same year the newly established Board of Fire Commissioners were tasked with consolidating all the fire companies under one control and fire chief.  In 1918 the first Fire Chief of the Town of Milford was apponted, Frank H. Stevens.

                        In 1929 the new Central Fire Station was opened and paid firefighters were on duty in all Milford Fire Stations.  

                                "A meeting was held on the afternoon of April 9, 1947 at 2 pm. for the purpose of organizing an I.A.F.F. local in the Milford Fire Department. Temporary President William Smith was elected." 

                         The Milford Professional Firefighters Association Local 944 recieved it's charter on November 1, 1947.  Twenty Five men signed the charter as original members. On November 14, 1947, James Stewart was elected as the first President of Local 944.