Pikeville Fire Department

05/15/2026

As many have seen from our local media, on May 10, 2026, our department went live with its Paramedic Program, expanding the level of advanced medical care our members are able to provide within our city. This advancement in the prehospital setting enhances our ability to deliver timely, lifesaving interventions in the field prior to patient arrival at the hospital.

The implementation of this program represents a significant milestone made possible through the dedication, training, and commitment of many of our members. It marks a historic achievement for both the Pikeville Fire Department and the community we serve.

The launch of this program is one of several major steps our department is taking to continue improving the capability and effectiveness of our operations. We remain committed to growing, advancing our skills, and strengthening our ability to provide the highest level of service to the citizens of our community.

04/15/2026

Hillbilly Days 2026 Safety Announcement

As we kick off Hillbilly Days 2026, the Pikeville Fire Department will be fully staffed and ready to serve the community around the clock. Fire and EMS crews will be staged throughout downtown to ensure quick response times and public safety.

📍 Crew Locations:
• Fire Cart – Bottom of the 99 at UPIKE (Hambley Blvd & Huffman Ave)
• EMS Cart – College Street (between the City Park and Parking Garage)
• Fire & EMS Carts – Main Street & Division Street

A central assistance location will also be set up in front of the Police Department near Division Street & Hambley Blvd, where dispatchers will be available to assist with lost children or lost items.

⚠️ Safety Reminders:
• Stay hydrated—drink plenty of water throughout the day
• Take breaks and sit down if you start feeling overheated
• If you or someone around you feels unwell, notify the nearest first responder

⚕️ We typically see an increase in diabetic-related emergencies during the event. If you are diabetic, please make time to monitor your glucose levels and carry what you need to manage your condition.

Families: Take photos of your children before heading out so you have a record of what they are wearing in case you get separated.

📞 Important Numbers:
• Non-Emergency Dispatch: 606-437-5112
• Fire Department (Non-Emergency): 606-437-5120
• Emergency: Call 911 or alert the nearest first responder

We’re here to help make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time. Take care of yourselves and each other while enjoying everything Hillbilly Days has to offer.

Have a safe and happy Hillbilly Days from the Pikeville Fire Department!

03/27/2026

Yesterday marked our first “All Call” drill, bringing together both on-duty and off-duty members for a hands-on, scenario-based trench rescue training.

Trench rescue incidents are low-frequency but high-risk events that demand precision, coordination, and a strong understanding of specialized equipment. Over the past several weeks, our members have been preparing through structured classroom sessions and equipment familiarization—today was the opportunity to put that training into action.

Crews worked side by side, building systems, operating technical equipment, and sharpening the skills required to safely and effectively handle these complex incidents. Training like this takes a lot of hands, a lot of effort, and a commitment to getting it right when it matters most.

We’d also like to extend a big thank you to Modern Woodmen Financial for providing lunch and taking the time to join us today. Your support means a lot to our department.

Strong training builds stronger teams—and ultimately safer outcomes for the community we serve.

03/26/2026

Today marks two years since we lost Firefighter Robert W. Lindsey in the line of duty.

Chief Lindsey dedicated his life to the fire service and to the people of Pikeville. From the beginning of his career in the 1980s to serving as Assistant Fire Chief and Housing Inspector, he led with knowledge, experience, and a servant’s heart. He didn’t just do the job—he lived it, mentoring others across the department and throughout the state as an instructor with the Kentucky Fire Commission.

He was the kind of firefighter you could always count on—for guidance, for support, and for doing the right thing when it mattered most. His impact is still felt today in the way we train, the way we serve, and the way we look out for one another.

Two years later, we continue to honor his legacy by carrying the standard he set.

We will never forget his sacrifice.

End of Watch: March 26, 2024

03/18/2026

On March 17, 2026, the City of Pikeville Fire Department responded to a water rescue incident located behind McDonald’s on Cassidy Blvd. The call was originally dispatched as a single vehicle that had entered the river near the Cassidy Blvd Bridge with the male operator still in the water.

Upon arrival, crews located a male subject clinging to a tree in the river in near-freezing conditions. Without hesitation, two of our members (Lieutenant Marcus Riddle and FF/EMT Evan Kimberlain) entered the water and made access to the victim, demonstrating exceptional courage and commitment under extreme conditions.

The members successfully secured the individual and brought him safely to shore, where he was immediately assessed and transported to Pikeville Medical Center for further evaluation.

This incident highlights the bravery, training, and dedication of our personnel, who are always ready to act when lives are at risk—no matter the conditions.

We are proud of the quick actions taken by our members and remain committed to protecting and serving our community.

03/09/2026

We are still looking to hire one more member for the position of full time firefighter paramedic. Salary does range based off of experience and years of service. If you or anyone knows of someone wanting to help startup the City of Pikeville Fire Department paramedic program, please join now!! Many opportunities to grow and start an amazing career! We are 911 emergency only response as well.

Applications are still open to fill our Final Spot for FF/Paramedic. Come join our amazing Department and be apart of history when we take our first steps of starting our FF/Paramedic Program.

02/18/2026

Yesterday, our department had the opportunity to host High Tech Rescue as they brought in several demo tools that we are currently evaluating for potential future use.

In addition to allowing our personnel to get hands-on experience with this equipment, they also provided an outstanding training from an outside perspective. Opportunities like this are invaluable, as they introduce new techniques, fresh insight, and broaden our approach to the work we do.

We would like to thank High Tech Rescue for taking the time to come out and for the excellent job they did working with our members.

Our department is always striving to provide the highest level of service to our community by continuously evaluating new equipment, training methods, and techniques to ensure we are prepared with the best tools possible when our citizens need us most.

02/16/2026

On Sunday, February 15 at 9:14 PM, the Pikeville Fire Department was dispatched to Shawnee Trail on the south end of town for a reported structure fire.

Two EMS units staffed with fire personnel, along with Engine 2 and Squad 1, responded and arrived to find a single-story residential structure divided into two separate living units with smoke and fire showing from the roof and rear of the building.

Crews quickly deployed two attack lines from Engine 2 while a primary search was conducted. The search confirmed that all occupants were safely out of the structure. Fire crews worked efficiently to bring the fire under control and prevent further extension.

All residents were accounted for, and no injuries were reported. Units cleared the scene after all operations were completed.

02/15/2026

As Spring Forest Fire Season approaches, the Pikeville Fire Department would like to remind everyone of Kentucky’s Outdoor Burning Law and the importance of fire safety during this time.

The Kentucky Forest Fire Hazard Season is in effect:

February 15 through April 30
and
October 1 through December 15

During these dates, it is illegal to burn any flammable material within 150 feet of woodland or brushland between the hours of 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM.

Burning is only permitted between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM, when conditions are typically safer and humidity levels are higher.

These regulations are in place to help prevent wildfires, protect property, and keep our community safe.

As we enter the spring season, we ask all residents to use caution with any outdoor burning and remain aware of current conditions. Always ensure fires are attended until completely extinguished.

If you have questions about safe burning practices, please contact your local fire department or the Kentucky Division of Forestry.

Let’s work together to prevent wildfires and protect Pike County.

02/12/2026

On behalf of the City of Pikeville Fire Department, I would like to extend our sincere appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the Pikeville Medical Center Emergency Department Skills Lab and the hands-on training experience within the Emergency Room Department.

The time, instruction, and collaboration provided to our paramedic members were extremely valuable. Opportunities such as this allow our personnel to sharpen their clinical skills, strengthen interagency relationships, and ultimately improve the level of care we provide to the citizens of Pikeville and the surrounding community.

We are grateful for the partnership and for the professionalism shown by Pikeville Medical Center staff throughout the training process. We look forward to continuing to work together in advancing patient care and strengthening our emergency response system.

Thank you again for your support and commitment to excellence.

Respectfully,

Johnny Cole
City of Pikeville Fire