In January 1944, fire destroyed Pearland Elementary School. There was no organized fire department at that time, so fire fighting was done by neighbors using buckets. Residents were determined not to let this happen again, and so, in 1946 Pearland’s Volunteer Fire Department was formed. By February 1947, there were 20 members.

Through the many long hours of hard work by the firemen and by the contributions of local businesses and citizens, the department was kept running during these first years. The Pearland Volunteer Fire Department was issued a charter by the Secretary of State to incorporate on January 8, 1954. The six members listed on this charter were H. D. Johnston, D. L. Smith, Jr., D. W. Scott, D. A. Perrin, T. P. Alexander, and M. E. Ellis.

The department had tough times because they were under-manned, under-equipped, and under-trained in fire fighting techniques. However, in 1956, through the contributions of businesses and citizens, firemen were sent to Texas A&M University at College Station to attend the Fire School held every July. There, they participated and learned new techniques in fire suppression and then returned to Pearland to teach their fellow firemen who were not able to attend the school.

Pearland incorporated in December 1959 bringing new businesses and families to the area. As the city grew, fire hazards increased and the Department was faced with added responsibilities in the coming years.

In 1968, the City Service Center was built at Orange St. and Old Alvin Road. Two “L” shaped commercial steel buildings housed the business offices of all city government, a maintenance facility, and Fire Station 1. After construction was completed, the existing original city station on Grand and 518 was razed. Construction on two sub-stations was started in 1968 and finished in 1969. Station 2 is on McLean Road on the west side of town, and Station 3 is located on East 518, near Woodcreek.

The 1970′s brought changes to the department. That decade saw modern fire fighting equipment, technology, and rigid training requirements added to a growing fire suppression organization.  The Pearland Volunteer Fire Department provided all first aid assistance to accident victims until the formation of the Pearland Emergency Medical Services, but prior to that, ambulance service was private and came from Houston and Alvin.

In the 80s, communications equipment and protective clothing were greatly upgraded in the early era of this decade.

The 1990′s brought a totally new concept to the department. Laws and rulings have changed regarding the safety of firefighters and equipment. Greater focus was aimed toward “Hazardous Materials” and evolving fire fighting techniques. New equipment was purchased and plans were drawn up for a training field that would include a drill tower enabling firemen to receive advance training locally. Ground breaking on this new training facility was August 1997 with the Grand Opening Day held on June 6, 1998.

Ground breaking for Station 4 occurred in June 2001 and the station went into service August 2002.  During this time, the Fire Department also put into service two 75′ multi purpose ladder trucks called Quints and a new class “A” pumper.

In October 2007, the department transitioned from an all volunteer organization to a combination department. Two Fire Captains, four Fire Lieutenants, and twelve Firefighters were also hired by the City. The volunteer Fire Chief and the Fire Marshal both reported to the Director of Fire Services. In 2009, the City renamed the Director of Fire Services position to Fire Chief.

The department continues to operate today as a career department utilizing full time firefighters and part time staff to provide the level of service our citizens expect and deserve.  

The single element that has not changed since the formation of the department 70 years ago; is the continual support from the community in its provision of yearly donations that support the growth of the organization and allows the department to provide the community with the finest fire and rescue service available.