Squad Companies need to open in at least one per FDNY Division. The amount of specialized work that Squads do in the FDNY has risen over the last few years. The fact is that at MOST FDNY "All Hands fires", the Battalion or Division very often calls for an additional Engine and Truck above the All Hands. Having a, nearby, Squad respond early in the fire, it gives the Incident commander, the ability to have the Squad operate as an Engine Co. or a Ladder Co. as needed earlier in the fire. Instead of waiting for the Extra Engine and Truck to be dispatched, respond, and be ready to operate., "Often called Relex Time." In Boston FD years ago, "
Boston War Years" they had "Rescue Pumping Units." = "R.P.U.s" that operated somewhat like squads, or so I am told. I worked few tours as a fireman in Squad 3 in Brooklyn and much latter in as a tour or two as a Covering Captain in Squad 1 in Brooklyn. Both great companies of great firefighters. The Squad unit's versatility makes them a needed and important part of fire operations in almost every fire department, big or small. Here are some internet photos of FDNY Squad Units then and more recently, and a Boston's R.P.U. "Remember our bothers" in the Newark N.J. F.D. Captain Bob Rainey FDNY Engine 26 retired