Rhode Island Steam Fire Engine Company #1
Captain: Peter Mercurio
1st Lieutenant: Rafael Tomao 2nd Lieutenant: David
Long
The Rhode Island Steam Fire Engine Co. #1 has the proud honor of having been the first fire company in the town of Westerly. Granted a charter by the Rhode Island General Assembly, the "Westerly Fire Engine Co." was organized in 1845. Firefighting services were provided on both sides of the Pawcatuck River, which is the border between Rhode Island and Connecticut, using two hand engines purchased the year prior.
In 1869 the Company purchased a steam fire engine named the Rhode Island. The members unofficially took on the name of the "steamer" for the Company. In 1870, the Rhode Island General Assembly granted a new charter to the "Westerly Fire Engine Co. #1". It was also at this point in time that the community took steps to form the Westerly Fire District.
On November 27, 1871, the Westerly Fire Engine Co. #1, after transfer of the Engine House, its furnishings and the hats to the District, reorganized under the District and under the charter granted in 1870 as the "Rhode Island Steam Fire Engine Co. #1".
Today, with 20 active members, the "Rhode Island Ones", or the "Ones", carry on the honor and traditions of our founding members and continue to provide dedicated and exemplary firefighting services to the community. The Company operates
Engine 1, a 1998 Pierce Dash 1500gpm pumper, out of Station 1 in downtown Westerly.
Past Captains of the Rhode Island Ones
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