We at the Providence Fire Department are very proud of a long standing tradition and heritage in the fire service. Starting in or around 1754, we are one of our country's oldest fire departments. We began with community fire fighters who would volunteer their services. Whenever the alarm of “Fire!” was sounded, village and towns people alike would run from their fields, shops and homes with their water buckets. They would form a line of people from a well or other water source to the fire. This “Bucket Brigade” would pass buckets of water from one person to the next until it could be thrown on the fire. Leather fire buckets were sometimes provided by the insurance companies. Whenever an alarm of fire was sounded, it was mandatory that everyone turn out. This is a law that is still in use today in the forestry service.

In 1854, some 7 years before The Civil War, we became a professional Fire Department. This was partially due to Providence's rapid industrial growth. Through the ages, the Providence Fire Department has kept in stride with the most modern fire fighting techniques and equipment. From the days of buckets, steam powered pumpers and wooden aerial ladders to the present day high volume pumpers and long reaching tower platforms, we have been dedicated to providing the best service available.

From the beginning our motto has been “In Omnia Paratus”. This latin phrase meaning “In all things ready” has been our creed and best description of the Providence Fire Department.

Firefighters and the apparatus they use make up a company. Through the years the firefighters would show their love and pride for their company by giving it a name or dedication. This custom of naming companies has been passed down from generation to generation. Here is a list of companies with their past and present day names.