With the beginning of the 1930's, the residents of Guilderland realized they needed their own fire department. On June 1, 1931, the Town Board of the Town of Guilderland adopted a resolution by which certain inhabitants of the town were appointed to form a fire company. On the night of June 4, 1931, the newly-organized Guilderland Volunteer Fire Department held it's first meeting in the Charles Bohl's garage on Western Turnpike. Jesse Wood was chosen to act as temporary chairman to elect officers. Charles Tompkins was elected chief and Floyd Bradt was elected clerk.

During the year 1933, there seemed to be a loss of interest in the department and there were very few fires during the period. In 1934 only on meeting was held, the annual meeting and election of officers. During the years 1936 through 1940, the lack of interest continued. As a result, there were very few, if any, meetings held.

The Guilderland Fire Department was incorporated in July, 1948 under the laws of the State of New York. In 1950, the fire district was enlarged and placed under the control of the fire commissioners. Funds raised by the department through street dances, card parties, and bingo games were used to purchase the property for the new firehouse.

The big event of the year 1956 was the 25th anniversary of the fire department. The celebration was held on June 9, with a special event naming Thomas VanWagenen, Sr. as Honorary Chief for his 25 years of service. At the end of 1957, a district vote was taken and the purchase of a new fire truck was approved.

In November 1969, a bond issue for the purchase of a new fire truck was passed by the voters of the district. The new truck was ordered in May 1970 after the writing of the specifications. In early summer, construction of a new addition was started to the easterly side of the firehouse. The new addition was to house the new fire truck, which arrived in the fall of 1971.

The department held a field day with firematic games, an antique fire equipment muster, game booths, refreshments and dancing. At the Albany County Volunteer Firemen Convention, Delmar, New York, in the fall of 1981, Thomas VanWagenen, Sr. was named the Albany County Fireman of the Year.

Throughout the years, the Guilderland Fire Department has participated in the Residential Opportunities, Inc (ROI) Field Days held at Tawasentha Park, has held fund raising car washes, organized bicycle rodeos for children, and continues to sponsor a Little League Team. The department holds Christmas caroling hayrides through out the district and visits neighborhood children with Santa Claus on its annual "Santa's Ride." The department continually strives to support the town with the highest degree of integrity and professionalism it can offer, both in performance of firefighting duties and while participating in social activities.