Martinsville Fire Department history was begun in 1881 when the town council purchased 100 rubber fire buckets for $165.00. Actual organization occurred in 1894 under Chief J.M. Blair and President Thad S. Banta. Three companies were housed in two livery stables because there was no firehouse. The two hose companies and the hook and ladder company consisted of 10 men each.

February 1917 saw the retirement of Chief Blair and two of the three horsedrawn fire wagons. The newest wagon was saved for emergencies, but a fire truck was used after that time under Chief Shireman. In 1918 the town hall and fire house was completed and is still in use.  The current fire chief is Tim Fraker and the department is served by 12 full-time firemen and 10 volunteer firefighters.

     The first elected marshal/treasurer was the local blacksmith Adam Howe in 1863. Marshal and treasurer were separate offices in the 1865 election.

The Police Department was organized in 1884 with John Fulford serving as the first police chief with two full time officers.The rate of pay was recorded as $1.50 per day for the patrolmen and Chief Fulford at $2.25 per day.      Martinsville's current police chief is Frans Hollanders and the police department has 17 full-time peace officers at this time.

Martinsville Town Hall & Police-Fire Station