A Proud History of Service

The Pikeville Volunteer Fire Department (PVFD) has been a cornerstone of community safety and service for over seven decades. Founded in 1945, the department began with a handful of dedicated volunteers and a single fire truck—driven by a shared commitment to protect Pikeville’s homes, businesses, and families.

Since then, PVFD has grown in both size and capability, evolving to meet the changing needs of our city and surrounding areas. From responding to structure fires and medical emergencies to providing mutual aid across county lines, our volunteers have always answered the call with courage and compassion.

Over the years, PVFD has been led by just nine fire chiefs, each contributing to the department’s legacy of integrity, innovation, and community trust. Today, under the leadership of Chief Garrett Angel, our team continues to uphold the values that have defined us since day one: service, sacrifice, and pride in our hometown.

As we look to the future, PVFD remains committed to protecting Pikeville with professionalism, preparedness, and heart—just as we’ve done for nearly 80 years.

Training Standards: Professionalism Through Preparedness

While the Pikeville Volunteer Fire Department (PVFD) is proudly staffed by volunteers, our training standards match those of any paid fire department. We are committed to maintaining the highest level of readiness, following the latest State and National guidelines for fire service training.

New members begin with a comprehensive firefighting orientation, then progress to more advanced coursework. The majority of our team holds Firefighter I certification or higher, reflecting their dedication to excellence and safety.

All PVFD members receive hands-on training in:
– Vehicle extrication
– Thermal imaging operations
– Emergency vehicle driving
– CPR and first aid

Many also complete specialized instruction in Rapid Intervention—a critical skillset used during structural collapses or when rescuing fellow firefighters in distress.

PVFD is proud to include members who have trained at the National Fire Academy in Maryland, alongside officers from the New York City Fire Department, bringing elite-level expertise back to our community. 

Grant Funding & Community Impact

Thanks to the continued support of the City of Pikeville Board of Aldermen, the Pikeville Volunteer Fire Department (PVFD) has successfully secured numerous grants over the past decade. Most of these awards have been fully funded or required only a modest 5–10% match from the City—making them a powerful investment in public safety.

These grants have enabled PVFD to upgrade equipment and apparatus to meet current National Fire Protection Standards. Today, the department proudly operates:
– Three Engines
– One 114′ Tower Truck
– One Special Rescue Unit
– One SCBA Mobile Fill Station/Command Vehicle
– One Wildland UTV

Two of our engines are equipped with complete vehicle extrication sets for auto accidents, and one apparatus includes winches and heavy-lifting airbags capable of safely lifting over 100,000 pounds.

These enhancements not only improve emergency response—they also contribute to lower homeowner insurance rates for Pikeville residents. PVFD currently holds a Class 5 insurance rating, with hopes for re-evaluation to an even lower class, which could bring further savings to our community. This rating also makes Pikeville more attractive to businesses and manufacturers considering relocation.

Investing in Prevention & Medical Response

Grant funding has also strengthened PVFD’s long-standing commitment to fire prevention and public education. We actively engage children and adults in fire safety awareness throughout the year.

Beyond firefighting, PVFD provides basic emergency medical care, including cardiac arrest defibrillation. Our team includes licensed Paramedics, Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians (AEMTs), and an Emergency Medical Responder, ensuring that Pikeville is protected by skilled professionals in every emergency.

Mutual Aid: Strength in Regional Partnership

The Pikeville Volunteer Fire Department (PVFD) is a proud member of two regional Mutual Aid Organizations, ensuring fast, coordinated emergency response across county lines.

– Bledsoe County Fire Mutual Aid Association
PVFD responds to emergency scenes throughout Bledsoe County when requested by fellow departments, providing critical support during fires, rescues, and other incidents.

– Sequatchie Valley Mutual Aid Association
This network includes 10 cities, stretching from Pikeville to South Pittsburg, and allows departments to share resources and personnel during large-scale or complex emergencies.

As a member of both organizations, PVFD can request or provide aid in the form of apparatus, equipment, and trained personnel, depending on the severity and scope of the situation. These partnerships strengthen our region’s resilience and ensure that help is always close at hand.