About Us

In October 1963, Purdue University proudly inaugurated its own fire department. Eleven firefighters were housed in the old Naval Armory on the site of the current Heine Pharmacy Building. During that first year, the department made 92 emergency calls.

Today, the Purdue University Fire Department provides more than just fire protection services. The 32 dedicated firefighters are uniquely trained to respond to the many different challenges that a large educational institution may encounter– hazardous material incidents, advanced life support medical calls, severe weather emergencies, airport rescues, confined space rescues, rope rescues and elevator rescues. Each Purdue Fire Department member holds a State of Indiana certification for firefighter, emergency medical technician (EMT) or paramedic, airport firefighter, hazardous material technician and other specialized fire department training requirements.

Three shifts rotate on a 24-hour work schedule. Each shift has one Battalion Chief, one Captain, one Lieutenant of Fire Prevention, and seven firefighters. The Fire Chief and Assistant Chief of Fire Prevention work throughout the week.

Today, the Purdue University Fire Department responds to approximately 3,000 calls per year and is the only Big Ten college campus to have a fire department.