Our   History

      Since the first organizational meeting of our department on February 15, 1912, the Harrisville Hose Co. No. 1 has been committed to providing outstanding public service to our community.

     Starting out with a hand drawn hose cart, and eventually evolving to motorized fire apparatus in 1922.  Our department has faithfully answered the call to duty protecting our community from the ravages of fire, as well as aiding residents during floods, hurricanes, and blizzards etc.  And, our service to the community is not limited to the Harrisville district.  Prior to the 1930's, Harrisville firefighters responded to calls to neighboring villages who at that time hadn’t established a fire department of their own.  It was not unusual to see Harrisville firefighters responding into our neighboring towns to fight a fire.  In 1926, this would lead to establishing a committee of area departments to meet and vote to form the Northern Rhode Island Firemen’s League.  Then Harrisville Fire Chief Clarence Cook would serve as the League’s first President

     In the 1940's under the direction of then Chief Peter H. Menard, the department put its first rescue vehicle into service.  A basic vintage 1940 style panel truck was equipped and

utilized to provide basic first aid care.  A basic service that has evolved into a modern day advanced life support system within our community.  In 1949 under the leadership of Chief Maxime F. Menard, the fire department received its first enclosed cab fire engine. A break from the many years of traditional open cab fire apparatus.  Our 1949 Maxim would see active service for 38 years fighting fire throughout northern Rhode Island. Also, in 1983 the Department would received its first aerial apparatus which would provide  the department with a safer and much improved  fire suppression operation.

     During our many years of service many landmarks have been lost due to the ravages of fire.  In the 1920's, the Spring Lake dining hall along with several other buildings were destroyed.  In the 1960's, the Harrisville Bowling Alley was destroyed at the hands of an arsonist.  In the 1970's, the Mt. St. Charles dairy barn, located off Steere Farm Road was destroyed.  In the 1980's a section of the Stillwater Mill complex was destroyed by arsonists.  Later, in the 1990's, another section of the Stillwater Mill complex was destroyed by arsonists.

      Our community involvement dates back to the beginning of our department and continues today with a variety of programs.  Beginning in 1922, the department sponsored a carnival for the residents to enjoy and help to raise funds for equipment.  The fire department sponsored carnival would continue for 40+ years.  In earlier years our department also sponsored an annual Christmas party with gifts for the children of the community.  Today, our members provide holiday lighting along streets in the center of the village and at the Town Common.  Our department also has a long commitment of fire safety education in our schools.  It is a program that has flourished because of the dedicated members that annually make presentation in the schools and at our fire station, which is an extended classroom of our community partner Austin T. Levy School.

    In 1984, under the direction of Chief Edward Gingell, the District would make its first step to provide emergency services on a full time basis with the hiring of its first full-time EMT/Firefighter.  Today, we have five full-time District personnel providing emergency services on a 24/7 schedule.  With emergency calls on the increase, the District remains committed to ensuring that our residents receive the highest level of emergency care.  In 1997 under the direction of Chief Mark St. Pierre, the fire station was expanded with new administrative offices,  communications room, engineers room,  gear locker room for members, generator room, and a truck bay for Forestry-2

     Since 1912, our department has grown with the community, the men and women of our department are also recognized in the community as a highly trained, pro-active dependable organization that is committed to making our community a safer and a more enjoyable place to live.  We remain always “Loyal to Our Duty”.