Every year, the Fire Department, Division of EMS and Ladies Auxiliary does outreach to the community through different events, training, scholarship programs, and activities.
May Breakfast
On the 1st Sunday of May, this annual tradition is held at Hydraulion Fire Station located at 2 Annawamscutt Drive. Enjoy all-you-can-eat pancakes, french toast, eggs, coffee, and more. Open to the public, proceeds go toward the Scholarship Fund.
Ladies Auxiliary Bristol Volunteer Fire Department Scholarship
Each year, the Ladies Auxiliary awards a $2,000 scholarship to a son or daughter of a member of the Bristol Fire Department. The Ladies Auxiliary Bristol Volunteer Fire Department Scholarship was established to provide a scholarship to a resident of Bristol who is a graduating senior of an accredited high school to attend any degree-conferring post-secondary educational institution. The scholarship is administered by the Rhode Island Foundation.
Adopt-A-Family
Each year, the Auxiliary helps a local family, by providing assistance in the form of gifts and other necessities during the holiday season. For more information or to nominate a family, please send an email to the Ladies Auxiliary.
Holiday Dinner
Each year, the Ladies Auxiliary prepares a holiday dinner for all of Bristol’s Volunteer Fire Department on the 1st Wednesday of December, as a way to thank them for their service to the Town. The Auxiliary welcomes volunteers and donations to help to defray the costs of this worthy demonstration of appreciation. To donate, or to volunteer, please send an email to the Ladies Auxiliary.
Vicki Van Voast Memorial Award
The Vicky Van Voast Memorial Award Committee was established in 2007 to select and honor 1 individual annually who exemplifies the same qualities of community spirit, volunteerism, and above all else dedication to the Bristol Volunteer Fire Department that was characterized by one of the Auxiliary’s charter members, Victoria Van Voast.
Firefighers Memorial Park
In 1995, then Fire Chief David Sylvaria, requested a park to honor all of the deceased members of the Bristol Fire Department. The southern portion of the existing Rockwell Park was then converted into the current memorial park located at the intersection of Thames Street and Church Street. The park entrance contains a stone that bears the Town’s Seal of Bristol. Stones on the walking path list, in chronological order of formation, a list of all of Bristol’s Fire Companies:
The Board of Fire Engineers c. 1850; Hydraulion Engine and Hose Co. No. 1. c. 1836; Dreadnaught Hook, Ladder & Hose Co. No 1. c. 1843; Defiance Hose Co. No. 1 c. 1905; Ever-Ready Engine & Hose Co. No 2. c. 1924; Emergency Medical Services 1947; King Philip Engine Co. No. 1 c. 1840; Fire Police c. 1920; Firemen’s Memorial & Welfare Committee 1955; Engine 4 “Fog Squad” 1957; & the Ladies Auxiliary, 1963.
On the second Sunday in June of each year, the Bristol Fire Department memorializes its members who have passed away in the previous year, and the many years before, with religious services, a parade through the downtown area to the park, and a ceremony commemorating those that have served the town over the years.
Please visit and enjoy the park and its views of Bristol Harbor. During your visit, we ask that you please respect the park and honor the firefighters and emergency medical personnel of the Town of Bristol.
Firefighers Memorial Statue Project
The Firefighter’s Memorial and Welfare Committee is currently undertaking fundraising efforts to commission a bronze statue and place it at Firefighters Memorial Park. This statue will be a lasting tribute to the many volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel who have contributed, and continue to volunteer their time to the town and its residents for over 180 plus years.
Anyone who may be interested in helping or donating may contact the committee through the fire department administrative offices at 401-253-6912. Donations can be made to the Bristol Fire Department Benevolent Association Charitable Trust, PO Box 775, Bristol, RI 02809.
The Bristol Fire Department Benevolent Association Charitable Trust is a tax-deductable 501(c)(3) organization.
Firemen’s Muster and Field Day
Annually in the month of July, Firefighters, EMT’s and First Responders from the Town’s four fire companies — Defiance Hose Company, Dreadnaught Hook, Ladder & Hose Company, Ever-Ready Engine & Hose Company, Hydraulion Engine & Hose Company, and the Division of Emergency Medical Services, gather to compete in a series of skills challenges, including a tug of war and fire hose accuracy challenges.
This is a family-friendly event; which allows for strengthening camaraderie and team-building skills throughout the department. Additionally, there are good-hearted rivalries between the fire companies who compete for the day’s bragging rights.
Trophies are awarded to the companies for the events of the day.
This year’s Field Day will be held on Sunday, July 17, 2022, at Independence Park on Thames Street beginning at approximately 10:00 AM.
Contact Us
Fire Headquarters Address: 4 Annawamscutt Drive, Bristol, RI 02809
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday | 8:00AM – 4:00PM
Michael Demello
Chief of Department
Phone: (401)-253-6912
Robert Ferguson
Fire Marshal
Phone: (401)-253-6912 ext. 3101
General Inquiries
Phone: (401)-253-6912
Fax: (401)-253-6610
JAMES VIEIRA
Battalion Chief of Safety and Training
Phone: (401)-253-6912 ext. 3103
Richard Giannini
Administrative Lieutenant
Phone: (401)-253-6912 ext. 3102