History

Mission Statement

The mission of the Southwest Volunteer Fire Department is to provide quality public service and fire protection to the citizens of the community.

This service to the public will be conducted in an efficient, safe and effective manner, consistent with available resources and professional skills and discretion of its members.

The Department recognizes its members as its most valuable resource, and will strive to maintain the quality of public service through committed leadership, supervisory discretion, the development of its members, training and discipline.

History and Service Area

Located in Palatka, Florida, USA,  Southwest Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. was Incorporated January, 1965 to provide Fire service to the Sunnihites, Lundy and Silver Lake communities.

Now it provides Fire/Rescue/First Responder service to all residents and businesses around the city limits of Palatka. Our Fire Service area is bordered by the St. Johns River on the East and Rice Creek on U.S. Hwy. 17 north of Palatka, west to the St. Johns River Water Management building on  State Road 100, West to Horseman's Club Rd. on State Road 20, South to Marion County on State Road 19 (Including a large portion of the Ocala National Forest) and the Rodman Reservoir to the west. 

Our Service are consists of about 90 square miles total.

This is an all Volunteer Fire Department with membership generally consisting of about 30 members.

Our Department provides Mutual Aid (Second-Due) to the City of Palatka Fire Department,
Bostwick Volunteer  Fire Department to our north and the Francis Volunteer Fire Department to our west.

Last changed: October 20, 2002