When the fire department in Malverne was created in 1911 it was called Norwood Hook & Ladder Company. The first fire engine was a small hand-drawn cart equipped with leather buckets, a few short ladders and firefighting tools. A year later, the company acquired its first utility truck, which had extension ladders and soon after purchased two lots on Broadway, where the first fire house was built. In 1923, the village signed a contract with the company to establish fire protection for its residents and acquired it 12 years later, changing the name to the Malverne Fire Department. In addition to protecting Malverne, the department also responds to fires in Malverne Park, North Lynbrook and parts of North Valley Stream and Franklin Square. All of the volunteers who serve as firefighters are residents of either Malverne or areas that comprise the fire district. They have all completed classroom and hands-on training through the fire academy and the firehouse. Young adults between ages 13 and 18 can also join the Junior Firefighters program.