The Hampden-Sydney Volunteer Fire Department (HSVFD) covers over 70 square miles with 5000-6000 residents in its district. It is the second-due company for Farmville and backs up many of the six other volunteer companies in the county. The HSVFD is in the center of Prince Edward County and supports volunteer companies in Darlington Heights, Rice, and Meherrin.

Although the majority of members are students, the Hampden-Sydney Volunteer Fire Department is neither a student club nor a College organization. Rather, it is a non-profit corporation that was reorganized in October 1970 and incorporated in 1982 as a Prince Edward County fire department to provide protection to the College and central areas of Prince Edward County. In addition, the Department operates an Emergency First Responder program that coordinates with the Prince Edward Volunteer Rescue Squad in the provision of emergency pre-hospital care. The Department is operated by corporation officers: a President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Member-at-Large. Fire ground operations are directed by the Chief, Assistant Chief, Captain, and three Lieutenants. All offices and positions are elected by the active membership of the Department.

The Department's current apparatus include:
Truck 2 (2005 Smeal 75' RM Quint Aerial)
Engine 2-1 (1997 International Pierce Conv)
Engine 2-2 (2006 Smeal)
Brush 2-4 (1987 GMC 1 ton 4x4)
Tanker 2-6 (2005 Freightliner American LeFrance Conv.)
Utility 2-8 (1993 Ford E-350 Ambulance Conv.)
EMS 2-9 (1988 Chevrolet K-5 Blazer 4x4) (Currently fundraising for a replacement)
1955 Dodge Pirsch Conv. Ladder Truck (Out of service, for parade use only)

The station is located at the south end of campus, next to the College's water tower.

Fire alarms are dispatched by radio from the fire-rescue dispatcher at the Farmville Police Department. Firefighters are called by their portable pagers or by air siren on campus.

Business meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the fire house. Training drills are held all other Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.

Those interested in joining may secure an application form from any firefighter or attend any Tuesday meeting. All members must pass the departmental rookie examination. The Virginia Department of Fire Programs Fire Fighter 1 Certification must be completed within the first two-years of membership.