BURRILLVILLE – Harrisville Hose Company No.1 celebrated its 113th anniversary in April at the Village Haven Restaurant in North Smithfield, presenting service awards to its members and installing company officers for the coming year.
Founded in 1912, the volunteer members of the company provide fire and emergency medical response services to the Harrisville Fire District, as well as the town of Burrillville and surrounding communities on a mutual aid basis, with the motto “Loyal to Our Duty.”
At the banquet on Saturday, April 5, opening remarks were given by Harrisville Hose Company No. 1 President Jason Rhodes. An invocation and blessing were provided by Deacon Richard Lapierre, past deputy chief of the Oakland-Mapleville Fire Department. Rhodes served as the master of ceremonies and entertainment was provided by Gue Productions.
Retired Chief Richard Susi, executive director of the Rhode Island Association of Fire Chiefs, was recognized for being added to the Harrisville Hose Company No. 1 Community Honor Roll. The Community Honor Roll celebrates outstanding contributions to the company and fire service by those who are not members of the department. Susi began his career as a volunteer at the Cumberland Hill Fire Department, rising to become the chief of that department.
“Chief Susi works tirelessly in his role as RIAFC executive director to support and advocate for fire and EMS services in RI and remains a staunch supporter of volunteer fire and EMS agencies, understanding their critical role in the state’s smaller communities,” noted Rhodes. “He was supported by his wife Holly Susi and Chief Robert Bradley, president of the RIAFC. Our sincerest congratulations are extended to Chief Susi upon being bestowed this honor.”
Service Awards were presented, including recognition of Lt. Christopher Piccardi for 15 years of service and FF/Paramedic Madison McCutcheon for 5 years of service.
Special guests in attendance included the following:
- Harrisville Hose Company No. 1 life members:
- Chief (ret.) Mark St. Pierre
- Lt. (ret.) Gerald Fournier, Jr.
- Assistant Engineer (ret.) Brian McCutcheon
- Harrisville Hose Company No. 1 honor roll member: Assistant Engineer (ret.) David Petrone, Jr.
- Mrs. Barbara Menard, wife of long-time beloved Harrisville FD Deputy Chief Norman P. Menard
- Harrisville Fire District Operating Committee members Roger Johnson and Mark St. Pierre and District Office Manager Christine Lemieux
- Chief Robert Bradley, President, RI Association of Fire Chiefs
- Chief, Manville Fire Department
- Chief (ret.) Central Falls Fire Department
- Richard Susi, Executive Director, RI Association of Fire Chiefs
- Chief (ret.) Cumberland Hill Fire Department
- Deputy Chief Megan Umbriano, RI Department of Health, Center for Emergency Medical Services
- Bethany Lambert, Harrisville Hose Company No.1 Community Honor Roll artist extraordinaire
- East Burrillville Fire District Chief Joseph Bertholic, Engineer Robert Casale and FF/EMT Sherri Ferri
