Thank you for your interest in Parkwood Volunteer Fire Department.  We are always looking for individuals who have the desire to help others in our community.  This information will give you an idea of what Parkwood Volunteer Fire Department is about and what it takes to be a member.

The Parkwood Volunteer Fire Department officially began operations in May 1969 for the purpose of fire suppression.  After a short time the need for emergency medical service was realized and the department began responding to medical emergencies.  Today, the Parkwood Volunteer Fire Department District is Research Triangle Park, most of southern Durham County as well as some areas of the City of Durham and northern Chatham County.  We currently provide Fire Protection, Rescue, Emergency Medical/Paramedic Services and Level 2 HazMat Response services. Our stations (3) are located in the Parkwood subdivision, Farrington Rd adjacent to the Five Oaks subdivision, and in the Nelson Community area of the district on Old Page Rd.  Membership includes approximately 150 volunteer members, many with certifications such as Basic Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic, Firefighter Level I and II.  Parkwood Volunteer Fire Department also is a combination volunteer/paid department employing 20 career Firefighter/EMT's.

The application process for joining PVFD is very simple.  You may fill out our Online Volunteer Interest Form, contact the station by calling (919) 361-0927, or come by station one (at the address at the bottom of this page) between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.  Leave your name and night time number and a member of our recruiting team will get in touch with you to set up a time to answer any questions and describe our operation in more detail.  You will then be given an application to fill out and return.  You will also be given a medical clearance form that must be signed by a doctor and returned before you may be accepted as a member of PVFD.

Upon acceptance, each new member is placed under a one year probation, given the status of "rookie" and assigned to a squad.  Each member must complete a combination self-paced/classroom rookie program within six months (three months for EMS-only).  Upon completion of the rookie program the member will be given the status of "firefighter" or "EMT".  Be aware that there are many duties a firefighter/EMT performs, and that not all members are comfortable fighting interior fires.  These members are still needed and can be a very productive part of our department as exterior firefighters or "EMS only" personnel.

PVFD is divided into three squads.  Each squad is on duty on a rotating schedule which will be provided to you when you are assigned to a squad.

Training is a very important part of the fire and EMS services, and at PVFD we consider it a top priority.  Extensive training is offered in Fire, Rescue, Emergency Medical Services, and HazMat on a regular basis.  Fire and Rescue training is offered every night from 7 PM to 10 PM.  EMS training is offered on various weekends once a quarter.  Hazmat team training is every second and fourth Wednesday night from 6:30 PM to 10 PM.

The following are minimum requirements set forth by the Parkwood Volunteer Fire Department.  Please note: these requirements are being reviewed and are subject to change in the near future.

• Each member is required to attend 60% of fire training each three month period.  There are approximately 36 hours offered each three months.

• Each member is expected to attend the firefighter's meetings held the first Monday of February, May, August, and November.

• Volunteer Firefighter/EMT's are responsible for staffing the station 36 hours per month.  (Volunteers are NOT required to reside or work within the district as we do station manning to better coordinate our responses.)

If you would like to become a member of Parkwood, please take the time to fill out our:

Online Volunteer Interest Form.

Come visit us.  Parkwood Station 1 is located at:

1409 Seaton Road
Durham, NC 27713
(919) 361-0927
Fax: (919) 544-7296