The Emmaus Fire Department is ready to roll to protect lives and property in and around the borough. Its firefighters respond to about 350 calls a year, including three or four major fires. They also assist neighboring communities. The fire station has been at the same location since May 1980. Although the only one in town, it is known as Central Station because it replaced three other fire stations in the borough.
The department still has its first piece of firefighting equipment, an 1871 hand-drawn hose cart. Now it has an aerial truck, two pumpers, a rescue pumper, a personnel carrier for the rapid intervention response team and other vehicles. The department is supported by tax dollars, but raises additional money with monthly hoagie sales. The station includes separate quarters for the Emmaus Ambulance Corps. James Reiss is the third-generation Emmaus fire chief, preceded by his father Robert and his grandfather Henry.