Reginald A. Centracchio knows all about being a first responder.

For years, “Reggie” as he’s known, assumed duties as the Adjutant General of Rhode Island and Commanding General of the RI National Guard in 1957 and directed the establishment, organization and maintenance of the state’s military forces until 2005.

Now retired, Major General Centracchio has embarked on what he calls another “highly important mission” that’s an expansion of a program he founded four years ago with the prime objective being for people to say “thank you” to the first responders in his hometown of Scituate.

“Our first responders put themselves in harm’s way every day,” Centracchio emphasized while speaking about the men and women who make up the fire, police and military personnel throughout the state. “On November 6 we’re hoping people will help us pack Rhodes-on-the-Pawtucket [in Cranston] to say “thank you for keeping us safe every day of our lives.”

Centracchio, who is also steeped in music experience and plays trumpet in his accomplished quintet, recently announced the 1st Annual Appreciation Concert that will honor active and retired fire, police and military personnel on Wednesday evening, Nov. 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the historic Cranston-based venue.

“It promises to be a great night with a special concert for music lovers and people who want to show their respect for our First Responders,” Centracchio explained. “The night’s headliner will be the 88th Army Band, Rhode Island National Guard Concert Band.”

While most people will recognize the 88th Army Band for marching in various parades throughout the state, the Rhode Island National Guard Concert Band will be all tuned up and decked in their dress blues for the unique music-filled evening.

Moreover, Nov. 6 promises to be like non-other that has been held inside Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet in recent memory.

For starters, Centracchio said with a special smile on his face: “Admission is free; all we’re asking is for people to come support their First Responders.”

Moreover, there will be music from three groups – the National Guard Concert Band directed by Todd Garrepy, the Dukes of Dixie and John Badessa Trio.

The Dukes of Dixie will begin the night’s music for 15 minutes inside the bar area where there will also be tables and chairs for people to sit and enjoy food and beverages while listening to music. The John Badessa Trio will follow the Dukes with another 15-segment of music, also inside the bar area.

Centracchio also announced the 1st Annual Appreciation Concert will feature the famed Pawtuxet Rangers Militia Unit posting the colors at approximately 7 o’clock followed by Invocation given by Col. (Rev.) Robert Marciano, pastor of St. Kevin’s Church who also serves as President of Bishop Hendricken High School.

“We’re also going to have a Rolling Thunder ceremony,” Centracchio wanted it known while speaking about the unique non-profit that got its name by way of those who served in the Vietnam War and strives to help all veterans while also making sure those that served will never be forgotten with the unique POW/MIA Chairs that are being placed in town, city halls throughout the state.

Centracchio said the huge and spacious main event room inside Rhodes will be set up in theatre seating and there will not be any reserved seats.

“Admission is free,” Cenrtracchio reiterated. “There will be a cash bar and food will be available. Please come support our First Responders!”

Even the 1st Annual Appreciation Concert sponsorship, he said, “is special.”

Thus, Centracchio announced the Nov 6 concert is being sponsored by the 100 Club of Rhode Island, RI Police and Fire Chiefs Associations, Office of Veterans Services, American Legion Post of Scituate and Dunkin Donuts, Guido Petrosinelli.

Centracchio is producing the concert along with Major General Christopher Callahan, Adjutant General; Kasim Yarn, Director of RI Office of Veterans Services and Ret. MSG Robert Guastini.