About Us
The Dreadnaught Hook, Ladder & Hose Co. #1 proudly protects 22,493 people (2020 US Census Bureau) living in an area of 10 square miles in Bristol, R.I. We operate out of 1 station that protects a primarily residential area. Our department is a public department whose members are on a volunteer status. We have an ISO rating of 4 (as a department).
The Dreadnaught Hook, Ladder & Hose Co. #1 is 1 of 4 fire stations/companies (the other 3 are engine companies) and 1 rescue station proudly protecting the Town of Bristol, R.I.. Our apparatus includes Ladder 1, Special Hazards "Truck-6" and Marine 1. Our station is centrally located n the historical downtown district. In addition to out apparatus, we proudly share our station with the Engine 4 Fog Squad (made up of members from the 4 fire companies, including ours). We are the busiest of the 4 fire companies, with at least one of our 3 units (not including E-4) responding to most fire call dispatches, motor vehicle accidents and assisting on EMS personnel with forcible entry into homes or businesses, or with technical rescues.
The Dreadnaught Hook, Ladder & Hose Co. #1 is led into action by Deputy Chief John Perry.
Our Company has approximately 75 volunteer professionals, including active, life and social (as does each of the other 3 fire companies & rescue squad).
What We Are Responsible For:
In addition to protecting the approximately 22,954 citizens of Bristol, we also protect about 15 miles of coastline (over 10.5 square miles of water), as well as over 4,000 students (about 80% living on campus) at Roger Williams University. Bristol is also home to many industrial companies, particularly boat building. Besides RWU, we protect 6 secondary schools in the Town, as well as 3 nursing homes and several assisted living and group homes. We respond to all structure fires, smoke conditions & building alarms, motor vehicle accidents, carbon monoxide emergencies, hazmat incidents, water rescues and other emergencies.
We do not hold official public meetings, however, we have:
Company Training - 7:00 PM - Second Wednesday of every month, at the station.
Monthly Company Meeting - 8:00 PM - First Wednesday of every month, at the station.
Events & Fundraisers: Dreadfest (spring fundraiser), Surf & Turf (autumn fundraiser), multi-company car wash, and several other events (varies) throughout the year such as collecting food for the local food bank with the Bristol Rotary.
Other Events Include: Firemen’s Memorial At Firefighter's Memorial Park (June); Michael "Flea" Andrade Memorial Square, Corner Of Church And High Streets; Muster and Water Battle (July); Santa Ride
Station walk-throughs for the public and other youth station visits (i.e. Cubscouts/Girlscouts/Schools) are ALWAYS welcome.
