City substitute Steven Davies swooped to score from close range in the 93rd minute to secure a morale-boosting victory for Parkinson's men.
The Bantams' late winner came after James Hanson had headed City level midway through the second period following Jamille Matt's opener for Fleetwood just before the hour mark.
Parkinson said: "We have probably played better this season and not won, but we stuck at it and kept going and that was the most important thing.
"I spoke before the game about the need for everyone to pull together to get us this victory and I think that is what you saw out there.
"The players never gave in and the crowd stuck with the team. Everyone was celebrating together at the final whistle, there was no better feeling.
"It was a hard-fought game, we knew it would be, but everyone in the ground today (Saturday) has played their part in this victory.
"The character of the boys was great - they never gave in.
"I am pleased for Steven Davies because he's had a bad injury this season, he's hit the post, the bar, and he's had a goal disallowed in games earlier in the year.
"He's never shied away from getting on the end of chances though, and this goal will give him and the rest of the squad confidence."
Davies' thrilling winner came after debutant Wes Thomas had seen his goal-bound shot deflect off Fleetwood goalkeeper Chris Maxwell and up onto the crossbar after the loanee striker after raced onto Hanson's headed flick-on.
Parkinson added: "The flick-on he (Wes Thomas) got from James (Hanson) is the sort of service he needs.
"Running at the opposition back four is when he is at his most dangerous. We wanted to bring a striker in like this to compliment what we already have in the building.
"It was a terrific header from James for his goal as well and that will do him the world of good.
"With Jamie Proctor to come back into the reckoning as well, it was important that we moved to freshen things up in attack.
"We may still look to bring someone else in either on Monday (transfer deadline day) or a week later (when the emergency loan window re-opens)."