Volunteer Association
The Plantation Volunteer Fire Association is fundamental to the Plantation Fire Department, ensuring that volunteer firefighters receive ongoing support for themselves and their families. In coordination with the fire department, the association hosts fire fighter families with activities and events throughout the year while giving back to the Plantation community through out-reach and donations.
The Plantation Volunteer Fire Association (PVFA) unites an exceptional group of highly skilled firefighters, making it the largest volunteer fire department in Florida. Its members uphold a rich legacy of service to the people of Plantation, embodying the genuine essence of community solidarity in the spirit of neighbor helping neighbor.
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Members of the PVFA are not just firefighters; they are pillars of the community who take immense pride in contributing to the greatness of Plantation. Mirroring the diverse fabric of our community, our members are waitstaff, accountants, administrative assistants, contractors, and other professionals who don dual hats, serving as firefighters protecting the city they hold dear.
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Explore and learn about our contributions to the city's prosperity and growth. If you are a Plantation resident with a high school diploma, consider joining us. Discover how you can "Become One of Us" and make a difference in our shared community.
The annual barbecue is one of the largest and oldest City-wide traditions. The half-century old event is held at Pine Island Park, 300 South Pine Island Road, in Plantation. The program offers live music, kids’ games, bounce houses, raffle prizes, live demonstrations and much more. As part of the program, Head Chef Barry Stearns has maintained the urban legend surrounding Former Mayor Frank Veltri’s “Secret Sauce.” The firefighters begin cooking at four in the morning and continue throughout the day. The traditional menu features ribs, chicken, beans, and coleslaw. Each year the firefighters prepare more than 4,000 pounds of chicken and ribs, 750 pounds of coleslaw, 334 dozen dinner rolls, 70 industrial sized cans of baked beans and 334 dozen cookies for dessert. Additionally the shopping list includes more than 5,500 pounds of ice and 3,300 pounds of charcoal.
Welcome to the Plantation Volunteer Firefighters Association (PVFA)!
As the President of the PVFA, I am proud to lead a diverse and talented group of volunteer firefighters. Our association is one of the largest volunteer fire organizations in the Southeast. Over 40 years ago I walked through the doors here and they helped me discover my true calling as a firefighter, leader and educator. My story is just one of many examples of our members who got their start here at PVFA and went on to do great things in the fire service.
Our membership reflects a rich tapestry of backgrounds, ages, and experiences. People volunteer for various reasons: some seek the thrill and excitement of the fire service, while others see it as a welcome change from a desk job. Many are driven by the desire to help others in their time of need, and some simply want to be part of a team. Regardless of your motivation, everyone experiences the profound satisfaction of making a difference when it matters most.
We understand that firefighting isn't for everyone, but volunteering can be. If firefighting isn't your calling, consider joining our Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). There are numerous ways to contribute, whether directly on the scene or behind the scenes.
The rewards and fulfillment we derive from our work are immense. Whether it's controlling a building fire, rescuing someone from a vehicle accident, mitigating home hazards, or teaching fire safety, the impact of our efforts is beyond measure. We gauge our success by the lives saved, the pain alleviated, and the property protected.
Choosing to volunteer with the fire service is a significant decision, one that we hope you'll consider thoughtfully. We invite you to join our ranks and experience the profound impact of serving your community.
At the PVFA, we strive to be more than just a team—we are a family. When you walk through our doors, you'll find a welcoming atmosphere where we prioritize not only your training but also your sense of belonging. We host numerous events throughout the year, including holiday parties for kids, family picnics, egg hunts, spring flings, and much more.
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I invite you to take some time to scroll through our pages, learn about our colorful history and check out the benefits of becoming one of us. Regardless of your age, skill level, or education, if you have an interest in serving your community, we have a place for you.
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