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The Six Pillars Of Protection: 5 Must-Know Facts About The City Of Plantation Fire Department’s Modernization And Volunteer Power

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The City of Plantation Fire Department (PFD) stands as one of the most unique and highly efficient emergency response agencies in Broward County, Florida. As of December 21, 2025, the department is at the forefront of a major infrastructure overhaul, embarking on the replacement of its original Fire Station #1 and the modernization of other key facilities, ensuring its readiness for the next generation of emergency services. This commitment to state-of-the-art facilities directly supports the department's core mission: protecting the lives and property of Plantation's citizens with the highest levels of knowledge and professionalism.

The PFD is distinguished by a remarkable operational model, leveraging the power of a dedicated volunteer force that makes it the largest volunteer fire department in the entire state of Florida. With over 190 active volunteer firefighters and paramedics, this model allows the City of Plantation to provide comprehensive and top-quality fire suppression, emergency medical services, and specialized operations across its six strategically located fire stations.

Leadership and Key Personnel Profile: Fire Chief Don Todd and Command Staff

The operational excellence and current modernization drive within the Plantation Fire Department are guided by a seasoned command staff, led by Fire Chief Don Todd. The department’s leadership is deeply rooted in the community and committed to upholding the highest standards of fire and life safety.

  • Fire Chief Don Todd: Chief Todd has been a fixture of the Plantation Fire Department for over three decades, bringing extensive experience and institutional knowledge to the role. His long tenure highlights a career dedicated to emergency services and community protection within the City of Plantation. He was officially appointed as Fire Chief on December 18, 2019, and currently oversees all administrative and operational divisions.
  • Fire Marshal / Fire Code Official Frank Zingale: As the Fire Marshal, Frank Zingale is instrumental in the Fire & Life Safety Division, focusing on fire safety plans, code enforcement, fire inspections, and public education initiatives to prevent incidents before they occur.
  • Division Chief David Gaskell: A key member of the command staff, David Gaskell supports the Chief in managing the department's complex operational and training needs.
  • Department Structure: The PFD operates through several key divisions, including Fire Suppression & Life Safety, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Special Operations, and the Training Division, all coordinated by the command staff to ensure seamless response and readiness.

The $20M+ Infrastructure Overhaul: Modernizing Plantation’s Fire Stations

A critical and current initiative defining the Plantation Fire Department's future is its comprehensive plan to update its facilities, a project aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring firefighter safety and compliance. This multi-million dollar commitment reflects the city's dedication to its first responders and the community they serve.

The Replacement of Fire Station #1

The most significant piece of the infrastructure plan is the complete replacement of the original Fire Station #1 (also referred to as Station 25, located at 5200 W. Broward Blvd.). The existing structure is being replaced with a new, state-of-the-art facility.

  • NFPA Compliance: The new Fire Station #1 will be 100% compliant with the latest National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, a crucial upgrade that ensures the highest levels of safety and functionality for the personnel and apparatus.
  • Strategic Location: The station's location is vital for covering the western and central parts of Plantation, ensuring rapid response times to a high-density area.

Modernization of Stations 2 and 5

In addition to the new Station #1, the PFD is undertaking substantial additions and modernizations to other key facilities, including Fire Station #2 (Station 56) and Fire Station #5.

  • Meeting Modern Standards: These modernizations bring the facilities up to 2018 standards, which include necessary upgrades to living quarters, apparatus bays, and training facilities to meet the demands of a modern fire rescue service.
  • Fire Administration Hub: Fire Station #2 (Station 56) is also the location of the Fire Administration Headquarters at 550 NW 65th Avenue, making its modernization central to the department’s administrative and operational coordination.

The Volunteer Difference: Florida’s Largest Volunteer Fire Department

The Plantation Fire Department’s unique operating model is its reliance on a massive, highly trained volunteer force, which sets it apart from nearly every other major municipality in South Florida and the state. This model is a cornerstone of the department's identity and its ability to maintain a high level of service across its jurisdiction.

A Force of Over 190 Dedicated Responders

The PFD boasts over 190 active volunteer firefighters and paramedics. This significant volunteer force is a testament to the community spirit in Plantation and the dedication of its residents to public safety.

  • Strategic Deployment: Volunteer members are strategically assigned to one of the six fire stations near their residences. This allows for swift response times when an incident is reported, as personnel can report directly to their assigned station and deploy equipment immediately.
  • High Training Standards: Despite their volunteer status, these personnel—including volunteer paramedics—are held to the same rigorous training and professional standards as career firefighters, ensuring the quality of emergency medical services (EMS) and fire suppression is top-tier.

Comprehensive Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

In addition to fire suppression, the PFD is a critical provider of Emergency Medical Services. The department's paramedics and EMTs are often the first on the scene for medical emergencies, providing life-saving care.

  • Life-Saving Equipment: The department operates a fleet of apparatus, including fire engines, ladder/platform trucks, and specialized vehicles, all equipped to handle both fire and medical calls.
  • Special Operations: The department also maintains a Special Operations division, ready to respond to complex incidents that require specialized training, such as technical rescue or hazardous materials (HAZMAT) incidents, further boosting the city's emergency readiness.

Committed to Community: PFD’s Public Education and Outreach

A proactive approach to safety is a core tenet of the Plantation Fire Department's mission, extending beyond emergency response to include extensive public education and community outreach. The Fire & Life Safety Division spearheads these efforts.

Variety of Public Education Programs

The PFD offers a wide variety of public education programs tailored to different age groups and community segments. These programs are designed to inform the public about critical safety measures, reducing the likelihood of emergencies.

  • Fire Safety Drills: Programs include instruction on how to conduct effective home fire drills and the importance of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.
  • CPR and First Aid Training: The department often hosts or participates in events that provide citizens with basic life support training, empowering them to act in a medical emergency.
  • Timely Advisories: The Public Information Office ensures that the community receives timely announcements, operational updates, and critical advisories, especially during severe weather events or large-scale incidents.

By investing heavily in new infrastructure like the replacement of Fire Station #1 and the modernization of Stations 2 and 5, while simultaneously maintaining a robust, highly-trained volunteer force, the City of Plantation Fire Department is solidifying its position as a regional leader in emergency services. Their dedication to both rapid response and preventative public education ensures that the City of Plantation remains a safe and well-protected community in Broward County, ready to face any challenge that arises.

The Six Pillars of Protection: 5 Must-Know Facts About the City of Plantation Fire Department’s Modernization and Volunteer Power
city of plantation fire department
city of plantation fire department

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