hmm
hmm
I'll have to take a look at NFPA 20 and if it is referenced in it's entirety for the state of, in this case, Rhode Island. However what you say is in direct conflict with the NEC. 695.3 allows for 3 categories of power supply to a Fire Pump.
A) A separate service or connection ahead of the service you already have to the building. On-site power production (i.e. a dedicated genset) and then one I'm not sure when it would apply but it is a dedicated feeder from a separate service.
B) Multiple Source which includes an Individual source plus On-Site standby generator. So this would be the option that you are suggesting always has to be taken; if I understood you correctly.
C) Is a special case for Multibuilding Campus-Style Complexes.
But "A" is a perfectly viable choice and it's certainly true, and you see it all the time.
From this, I conclude that a Fire Pump is not, by any means, always regarded as an "Emergency" load insofar as that word triggers the application of NEC Article 700. It is rather a special case.
By the way, what is POCO?