A fire on Friday, February 3, 1905 marked the beginning of the Glenolden Fire Company. The fire started in the one story frame home of Morris Collins at Ashland Avenue and Chester Pike. An overheated stove set the roof on fire and Norwood Fire Company #1 was called. When Norwood Fire Company arrived, they were shocked to find Glenolden had no fireplugs. Helped by borough residents, the firemen put the roof fire out by throwing snow on it.

The Borough of Glenolden, population just over 7,000, is located in eastern Delaware County. The Borough of Glenolden spans 1 square mile and is a mixed community, suburban area. The GFD also provides first due coverage to several surrounding boroughs including Folcroft, Sharon Hill and Collingdale (Approx. 21,461 population spanning 5 square miles).