FDNY and NYC Firehouses and Fire Companies - 2nd Section

[fdhistorian]

Fireboat companies were originally considered as floating engine companies.  As such, they were organized in geographic land battalions along with land engines and ladders.  As the number of fireboats increased, they were separated into their own Marine Division and Marine Battalion.  Over their history, both the Marine Division and the Marine Battalion have been disbanded and reorganized again, separately and alone, as necessary to meet the organizational needs of the time.

Marine Division Organized     Battery Park, Manhattan                 1908 with Engine 57 Fireboat
Marine Division New Station   Pier 1, North River, Manhattan         1941 with Engine 57 Fireboat
Marine Division Relocated       Pier A, North River, Manhattan         1960 with Engine 57 Fireboat
Marine Division Disbanded                                                       1975
Marine Division Reorganized   Pier A, North River, Manhattan         1977 at Marine 1
Marine Division Relocated       Building 292, Navy Yard, Brooklyn   1992 with Marine Battalion
Marine Division Disbanded                                                       1995

 

[fdhistorian]

Fireboat companies were originally considered as floating engine companies.  As such, they were organized in geographic land battalions along with land engines and ladders.  As the number of fireboats increased, they were separated into their own Marine Division and Marine Battalion.

"The 19th Battalion was then as?signed to the First Division. Four years later it was decided to organize the fireboats as a separate Division and an examination for promotion to the rank of Deputy Chief of the Marine Division was ordered. A re?quirement was that applicants must hold Pilot's and Master's licenses. Chief Kenlon was the only Chief of Battalion who could qualify and, after passing the examination, he was pro?moted to this specific title by Special Order No. 45, of April 12, 1909, being the only officer ever promoted to be Deputy Chief of the Marine Division. Two years later the junior among the Deputy Chiefs, he was first on the list for Chief of Department and became head of the uniformed force on August 1, 1911. The 19th Battalion was discontinued as a marine unit on October 20, 1925. In 1937, on Novem?ber 1st, a Marine Battalion was again established with the organization of the 25th.  WNYF"

Over their history, both the Marine Division and the Marine Battalion have been disbanded and reorganized again, separately and alone, as necessary to meet the organizational needs of the time.

Marine Division Organized     Battery Park, Manhattan                 1908 with Engine 57 Fireboat
Marine Division New Station   Pier 1, North River, Manhattan         1941 with Engine 57 Fireboat
Marine Division Relocated       Pier A, North River, Manhattan         1960 with Engine 57 Fireboat
Marine Division Disbanded                                                       1975
Marine Division Reorganized   Pier A, North River, Manhattan         1977 at Marine 1
Marine Division Relocated       Building 292, Navy Yard, Brooklyn   1992 with Marine Battalion
Marine Division Disbanded                                                       1995

Battalions in the Marine Division

  Marine Battalion 19    1905 - 1925
  Marine Battalion 25    1937 - 1944, 1948 - 1958
  Marine Battalion          1964 -

 

[fdhistorian]

Land fire suppression divisions have been relatively stable with respect to area and number through their history.  Manhattan has typically had three divisions - Lower, Midtown, Upper;  Bronx had two - Southwest and Northeast;  Staten Island had one;  Brooklyn had three - North, South, and East;  and Queens had two - North and South.  For operational and organizational needs, divisions have been added to split busy divisions, and discontinued when demands changed.  Divisions are not necessarily defined by borough political boundaries.  The numbering of some divisions has changed many times while a few divisions have been constant.

Following the history of some divisions by their number will show much movement and relocation.  However, those relocations are usually into another division's quarters where a new number has been assigned.

Division 5 illustrates the apparent movement of one division through three boros (Manhattan, Bronx, and Queens).  In most cases, it was a simple renumbering of an already established division in the same location.  Divisions 3, 4, 6, 13, and 14 have all been known as Division 5 at some time and Division 5 has been the Upper Manhattan, Bronx and Queens divisions in different periods of time.

Division 5 was originally a split of Division 4, covering the Bronx battalions of that division.  A few years later it was renumbered as Division 6.  It was then reorganized as 5, once again splitting Division 4, covering the Upper East Side and Harlem battalions.  In time, Division 5 picked up some South Bronx battalions, eventually becoming a Bronx division covering Southwest Bronx.  Division 5 returned to Harlem in Upper Manhattan while retaining Battalion 19 in the Bronx.  During the War Years, Division 5 covered Harlem and afterwards absorbed Division 4 to cover all of Upper Manhattan.  In the mid 1990's, Division 5 was the Queens division, covering the areas of both Division 13 and Division 14.  When the legacy division numbers were restored, Division 5 was disbanded . . . . . until the next time.

This history follows the history of Divisions numbered 5.

Division  5 Organized     3134 Park Ave, Bronx                         1904 with Engine 71, previously Division 4
Division  5 Renumbered as Division 6                                     1906

Division  5 Reorganized 221 E 75th St, Manhattan                   1906 with Engine 44, previously Division 3
Division  5 Renumbered as Division 4                                     1930

Division  5 Reorganized 503 E 139th St, Manhattan                 1930 with Engine 80, previously Division 6
Division  5 Relocated     2928 Briggs Ave, Bronx                     1949 with Engine 79
Division  5 Relocated     503 W 139th St, Manhattan               1951 with Engine 80
Division  5 Relocated     2282 3rd Ave, Manhattan                   1990 with Engine 35
Division  5 Disbanded                                                         1995

Division  5 Reorganized 108-01 Horace Harding Expwy, Queens 1995 with Engine 324, previously Division 14
Division  5 Renumbered as Division 13 and 14                       1995

Division  5 Reorganized 2282 3rd Ave, Manhattan                 1995 with Engine 35
Division  5 Disbanded                                                         1995

Division  5 Reorganized 108-01 Horace Harding Expwy, Queens 1995 with Engine 324, previously Division 14
Division  5 Renumbered as Division 13 and 14                       1997

 

[fdhistorian]

Land fire suppression divisions have been relatively stable with respect to area and number through their history.  Manhattan has typically had three divisions - Lower, Midtown, Upper;  Bronx had two - Southwest and Northeast;  Staten Island had one;  Brooklyn had three - North, South, and East;  and Queens had two - North and South.  For operational and organizational needs, divisions have been added to split busy divisions, and discontinued when demands changed.  Divisions are not necessarily defined by borough political boundaries.  The numbering of some divisions has changed many times while a few divisions have been constant.

Following the history of some divisions by their number will show much movement and relocation.  However, those relocations are usually into another division's quarters where a new number has been assigned.

Division 5 illustrates the apparent movement of one division through three boros (Manhattan, Bronx, and Queens).  In most cases, it was a simple renumbering of an already established division in the same location.  Divisions 3, 4, 6, 13, and 14 have all been known as Division 5 at some time and Division 5 has been the Upper Manhattan, Bronx and Queens divisions in different periods of time.

Division 5 was originally a split of Division 4, covering the Bronx battalions of that division.  A few years later it was renumbered as Division 6.  It was then reorganized as 5, once again splitting Division 4, covering the Upper East Side and Harlem battalions.  In time, Division 5 picked up some South Bronx battalions, eventually becoming a Bronx division covering Southwest Bronx.  Division 5 returned to Harlem in Upper Manhattan while retaining Battalion 19 in the Bronx.  During the War Years, Division 5 covered Harlem and afterwards absorbed Division 4 to cover all of Upper Manhattan.  In the mid 1990's, Division 5 was the Queens division, covering the areas of both Division 13 and Division 14.  When the legacy division numbers were restored, Division 5 was disbanded . . . . . until the next time.

This history follows the history of Divisions numbered 5.

Division  5 Organized     3134 Park Ave, Bronx                         1904 with Engine 71, previously Division 4
Division  5 Renumbered as Division 6                                     1906

Division  5 Reorganized 221 E 75th St, Manhattan                   1906 with Engine 44, previously Division 3
Division  5 Renumbered as Division 4                                     1930

Division  5 Reorganized 503 E 139th St, Manhattan                 1930 with Engine 80, previously Division 6
Division  5 Relocated     2928 Briggs Ave, Bronx                     1949 with Engine 79
Division  5 Relocated     503 W 139th St, Manhattan               1951 with Engine 80
Division  5 Relocated     2282 3rd Ave, Manhattan                   1990 with Engine 35
Division  5 Disbanded                                                         1995

Division  5 Reorganized 108-01 Horace Harding Expwy, Queens 1995 with Engine 324, previously Division 14
Division  5 Renumbered as Division 13 and 14                       1995

Division  5 Reorganized 2282 3rd Ave, Manhattan                 1995 with Engine 35
Division  5 Disbanded                                                         1995

Division  5 Reorganized 108-01 Horace Harding Expwy, Queens 1995 with Engine 324, previously Division 14
Division  5 Renumbered as Division 13 and 14                       1997

Battalions in Division 5

  Battalion 19 1903 - 1904, 1941 - 1968
  Battalion 20 1903 - 1904, 1949 - 1950
  Battalion 14 1904 - 1906
  Battalion 15 1904 - 1906, 1948 - 1950
  Battalion 17 1904 - 1906
  Battalion 18 1904 - 1906
  Battalion 10 1906 - 1930
  Battalion 12 1906 - 1930, 1969 - 1975, 1979 - 1995
  Battalion 16 1907 - 1909, 1930 - 1947, 1951 - 1995
  Battalion 11 1930 - 1941, 1951 - 1956, 1975 - 1995
  Battalion 13 1930 - 1949, 1951 - 1995
  Battalion 25 1979 - 1989
  Battalion 45 1995 - 1997
  Battalion 46 1995 - 1997
  Battalion 49 1995 - 1997
  Battalion 50 1995 - 1997
  Battalion 51 1995 - 1997
  Battalion 52 1995 - 1997
  Battalion 53 1995 - 1997
  Battalion 54 1995 - 1997

 

[In2theJob]

Battalion 51 moved from Engine 294/Ladder 143 on Jamaica Avenue to Lefferts Boulevard at Engine 308 when Battalion 59 was established at Engine 319 in 1984.
When the 59 was disbanded you'd think they would have moved the 51 back to Jamaica Avenue.

With interboro responses, Battalion 28 can cover much of 286 and 291's neighborhoods.
Historically 286 was part of the 37 and 39 battalions into the 1960's, and 291 was in the 35 into the 1950's. 
The 28 at 271 is about one mile closer to 286 than the 51 at 294 would be.
The 28 is also much closer to 291 than the 46.

The 45 barely runs in with 291 and 140 at all. The 28 is much closer.
It goes the other way too with the 45 first due to greenpoint and 238/106. The 28 doesn't even go there 2nd due. the 35 would

 

[68jk09]

QUICK VIDEO THANKS TO SKYLER FIRE OF THE OLD ENG*45 FH ATTACHED TO THE LATER LAD*58 & BN*18 QTRS...  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBbXvFi-dTw

 

[enginecap]

My old shop....man, makes me miss it after 2 1/2 yrs retirement

 

[fdhistorian]

Tracing its origins to the Eastern District of the Brooklyn Fire Department, Division 11 has covered northern Brooklyn and Queens.  Initially numbered as Division 7, it was renumbered as Division 11 in 1906. 

Under the original ten division organization in 1906, it covered the Williamsburg area and followed the growth of the department into Long Island City, Astoria and east in Queens.  Although it was eventually split by the 14th Division which covers northern Queens, it retained the 45th Battalion in Long Island City into 1956.

Division  7 Organized     127 N 1st St, Brooklyn       1898
Division  7 Renumbered as Division 11                   1906

Division 11 Organized     127 N 1st St, Brooklyn       1906
Division 11 New Station 75 Richardson St, Brooklyn 1915 with Engine 229
Division 11 Relocated     166 Clymer St, Brooklyn     1927 with Engine 211
Division 11 Relocated     75 Richardson St, Brooklyn 1930 with Engine 229
Division 11 Relocated     26 Hooper St, Brooklyn       1948 with Engine 211
Division 11 Relocated     75 Richardson St, Brooklyn 1951 with Engine 229
Division 11 Relocated     172 Tillary St, Brooklyn       1990 with Engine 207
Division 11 Renumbered as Division 6                       1995

Division  6 Reorganized 172 Tillary St, Brooklyn       1995 with Engine 207
Division  6 Renumbered as Division 11                     1995

Division 11 Reorganized 172 Tillary St, Brooklyn       1995 with Engine 207
Division 11 Renumbered as Division 6                       1995

Division  6 Reorganized 172 Tillary St, Brooklyn       1995 with Engine 207
Division  6 Renumbered as Division 11                     1997

Division 11 Reorganized 172 Tillary St, Brooklyn       1997 with Engine 207

 

[fdhistorian]

Tracing its origins to the Eastern District of the Brooklyn Fire Department, Division 11 has covered northern Brooklyn and Queens. Initially numbered as Division 7, it was renumbered as Division 11 in 1906.

Under the original ten division organization in 1906, it covered the Williamsburg area and followed the growth of the department into Long Island City, Astoria and east in Queens. Although it was eventually split by the 14th Division which covers northern Queens, it retained the 45th Battalion in Long Island City into 1956.

Division 7 Organized 127 N 1st St, Brooklyn 1898
Division 7 Renumbered as Division 11 1906

Division 11 Organized 127 N 1st St, Brooklyn 1906
Division 11 New Station 75 Richardson St, Brooklyn 1915 with Engine 229
Division 11 Relocated 166 Clymer St, Brooklyn 1927 with Engine 211
Division 11 Relocated 75 Richardson St, Brooklyn 1930 with Engine 229
Division 11 Relocated 26 Hooper St, Brooklyn 1948 with Engine 211
Division 11 Relocated 75 Richardson St, Brooklyn 1951 with Engine 229
Division 11 Relocated 172 Tillary St, Brooklyn 1990 with Engine 207
Division 11 Renumbered as Division 6 1995

Division 6 Reorganized 172 Tillary St, Brooklyn 1995 with Engine 207
Division 6 Renumbered as Division 11 1995

Division 11 Reorganized 172 Tillary St, Brooklyn 1995 with Engine 207
Division 11 Renumbered as Division 6 1995

Division 6 Reorganized 172 Tillary St, Brooklyn 1995 with Engine 207
Division 6 Renumbered as Division 11 1997

Division 11 Reorganized 172 Tillary St, Brooklyn 1997 with Engine 207

Battalions in Division 11 (7), (6)

Division 7
Battalion 4, Brooklyn 1898 - 1898
Battalion 5, Brooklyn 1898 - 1898
Battalion 6, Brooklyn 1898 - 1898
Battalion 7, Brooklyn 1898 - 1898
Battalion 8, Brooklyn 1898 - 1898
Battalion 9, Brooklyn 1898 - 1898
Battalion 14, Brooklyn 1898 - 1898
Battalion 15, Queens 1898 - 1898
Battalion 16, Queens 1898 - 1898

Division 7 - Battalions renumbered +20
Battalion 25, Brooklyn 1898 - 1906
Battalion 26, Brooklyn 1898 - 1906
Battalion 27, Brooklyn 1898 - 1900
Battalion 29, Brooklyn 1898 - 1900
Battalion 34, Brooklyn 1898 - 1900
Battalion 35, Queens 1898 - 1906
Battalion 36, Queens 1898 - 1906
Battalion 24, Brooklyn 1905 - 1906

Division 11 - Battalions renumbered +10
Battalion 34, Brooklyn 1906 - 1907, 1922 - 1989
Battalion 35, Brooklyn 1906 - 1995
Battalion 36, Brooklyn 1906 - 1975
Battalion 45, Queens 1906 - 1927, 1941 - 1947, 1951 - 1956
Battalion 46, Queens 1906 - 1909, 1913 - 1927

Division 11
Battalion 49, Queens 1906 - 1922
Battalion 52, Queens 1908 - 1922
Battalion 31, Brooklyn 1922 - 1930, 1948- 1950, 1990 - 1995
Battalion 38, Brooklyn 1922 - 1930
Battalion 32, Brooklyn 1948 - 1949, 1990 - 1995
Battalion 37, Brooklyn 1949 - 1950
Battalion 28, Brooklyn 1975 - 1995
Battalion 57, Brooklyn 1975 - 1995
Battalion 48, Brooklyn 1990 - 1995

Division 6
Battalion 28, Brooklyn 1995 - 1997
Battalion 31, Brooklyn 1995 - 1997
Battalion 32, Brooklyn 1995 - 1997
Battalion 35, Brooklyn 1995 - 1997
Battalion 48, Brooklyn 1995 - 1997
Battalion 57, Brooklyn 1995 - 1997

Division 11
Battalion 28, Brooklyn 1997 -
Battalion 31, Brooklyn 1997 -
Battalion 32, Brooklyn 1997 -
Battalion 35, Brooklyn 1997 -
Battalion 48, Brooklyn 1997 -
Battalion 57, Brooklyn 1997 -

 

[fdhistorian]

Organized as Battalion 23 in Downtown Brooklyn, the Battalion was renumbered 33 in 1906,  (The original Battalion 33 was renumbered 43 at the same time.) 
A reorganization in 1922 caused the closing of Battalion 33, along with Division 10 and the original Battalion 49.

During the late 1920's, new companies were added in the Flatlands, Mill Basin and Marine Park neighborhoods.  To address the need for a new battalion, Battalion 33 was
re-established in 1930.

Brooklyn FD
District Engineer 2     Organized       160 Pierrepont St, Brooklyn   1869 with Brooklyn FD Engine 5
District Engineer 2     Relocated         409 State St, Brooklyn         1896 with Brooklyn FD Engine 26
District Engineer 2     Annexed         as Battalion 3 FDNY Brooklyn 1898

FDNY Brooklyn
Battalion 3               Organized       409 State St, Brooklyn         1898 with Engine 26 FDNY Brooklyn, from Brooklyn FD District Engineer 2
Battalion 3               Renumbered     as Battalion 23                   1898

FDNY  renumbered +20
Battalion 23             Organized       409 State St, Brooklyn         1898 with Engine 26 FDNY Brooklyn, from Battalion 3 FDNY Brooklyn
Battalion 23             Renovated       409 State St, Brooklyn         1904 with Engine 26 Brooklyn
Battalion 23             Renumbered     as Battalion 33                   1906

Renumbered +10
Battalion 33             Reorganized     409 State St, Brooklyn         1906 with Engine 126  Brooklyn, from Battalion 23
Battalion 33             Disbanded                                               1922

Battalion 33             Reorganized     1635 E 14th St, Brooklyn     1930 with Engine 276

 

[fdhistorian]

Organized as Battalion 23 in Downtown Brooklyn, the Battalion was renumbered 33 in 1906,  (The original Battalion 33 was renumbered 43 at the same time.) 
A reorganization in 1922 caused the closing of Battalion 33, along with Division 10 and the original Battalion 49.

During the late 1920's, new companies were added in the Flatlands, Mill Basin and Marine Park neighborhoods.  To address the need for a new battalion, Battalion 33 was
re-established in 1930.

Brooklyn FD
District Engineer 2     Organized       160 Pierrepont St, Brooklyn   1869 with Brooklyn FD Engine 5
District Engineer 2     Relocated         409 State St, Brooklyn         1896 with Brooklyn FD Engine 26
District Engineer 2     Annexed         as Battalion 3 FDNY Brooklyn 1898

FDNY Brooklyn
Battalion 3               Organized       409 State St, Brooklyn         1898 with Engine 26 FDNY Brooklyn, from Brooklyn FD District Engineer 2
Battalion 3               Renumbered     as Battalion 23                   1898

FDNY  renumbered +20
Battalion 23             Organized       409 State St, Brooklyn         1898 with Engine 26 FDNY Brooklyn, from Battalion 3 FDNY Brooklyn
Battalion 23             Renovated       409 State St, Brooklyn         1904 with Engine 26 Brooklyn
Battalion 23             Renumbered     as Battalion 33                   1906

Renumbered +10
Battalion 33             Reorganized     409 State St, Brooklyn         1906 with Engine 126  Brooklyn, from Battalion 23
Battalion 33             Disbanded                                               1922

Battalion 33             Reorganized     1635 E 14th St, Brooklyn     1930 with Engine 276

Companies in Battalion 33

1869 - 1886 District Engineer 2 E3   E4     E5
1886 - 1889 District Engineer 2 E3   E4     E5     E23   E24
1889 - 1891 District Engineer 2 E3   E4     E5     E24   E26
1891 - 1892 District Engineer 2 E3   E4     E5     E24   E26                 L10
1892 - 1895 District Engineer 2 E5   E24   E26                               L10
1895 - 1896 District Engineer 2 E5   E24   E26   E39                         L10     WT1
1896 - 1898 District Engineer 2 E26 E39                                       L5   L10 WT1

Original Battalion 23 was first activated from 1898 to 1906 when it was renumbered as Battalion 33.
1898 - 1903 Battalion 23         E19   E20   E26 E39                         L5   L10 WT1
1903 - 1903 Battalion 23         E119 E120 E126 E139                       L55 L60 WT6
1904 - 1905 Battalion 23         E119 E120 E126 E139 E156               L55 L60
1905 - 1906 Battalion 23         E119 E126 E139 E156                       L55 L60

Original Battalion 33 was first activated from 1898 to 1906 when it was renumbered as Battalion 43.
1906 - 1909 Battalion 33         E126 E156                                     L55   L60   L68   WT6
1909 - 1913 Battalion 33         E110 E119 E126 E156                       L55   L60   L68   WT6
1913 - 1915 Battalion 33         E210 E219 E226 E256                       L105 L110 L118 WT6
1915 - 1922 Battalion 33         E219 E226 E256                             L105 L110 L118 WT6

1930 - 1932 Battalion 33         E246 E246-2 E255 E276 E309 E321       L156 L157 L169
1932 - 1939 Battalion 33         E246 E246-2 E255 E276 E309 E321 E323 L156 L157 L169
1939 - 1947 Battalion 33         E246 E255 E276 E309 E321 E323 E327 L156 L157 L169
1947 - 1960 Battalion 33         E246 E276 E309 E321 E323 E327       L156 L159 L169
1960 - 1969 Battalion 33         E246 E276 E309 E321 E323               L156 L159 L169
1969 - 1975 Battalion 33         E254 E276 E309 E321                     L153 L156 L159
1975 - 1979 Battalion 33         E254 E276 E309 E321 E323               L153 L156 L159
1979 -       Battalion 33         E254 E276 E309 E321                     L153 L156 L159

 

[fdhistorian]

Battalion 48 was the first new battalion established in Brooklyn subsequent to the consolidation of the Brooklyn Fire Department into the FDNY in 1898.  It has been in the Park Slope neighborhood west of Prospect Park since 1906.  It was organized as Battalion 38 for a brief two weeks before all Brooklyn and Queens battalions were renumbered plus 10 to their original number on April 15, 1906.

Battalion 38

Battalion 38 Organized     395 4th Ave, Brooklyn         1906 with Engine 139
Battalion 38 Renumbered as Battalion 48                   1906

Battalion 48

Battalion 48 Organized   395 4th Ave, Brooklyn         1906 with Engine 139, from Battalion 38
Battalion 48 Relocated   530 11th St, Brooklyn           1930 with Engine 220
Battalion 48 Relocated   1309 Prospect Ave, Brooklyn 1978 with Engine 240
Battalion 48 Temporary   1336 60th St, Brooklyn         1988 with Engine 247
Battalion 48 Relocated   1309 Prospect Ave, Brooklyn 1988 with Engine 240

 

[fdhistorian]

Battalion 48 was the first new battalion established in Brooklyn subsequent to the consolidation of the Brooklyn Fire Department into the FDNY in 1898.  It has been in the Park Slope neighborhood west of Prospect Park since 1906.  It was organized as Battalion 38 for a brief two weeks before all Brooklyn and Queens battalions were renumbered plus 10 to their original number on April 15, 1906.

Battalion 38

Battalion 38 Organized     395 4th Ave, Brooklyn         1906 with Engine 139
Battalion 38 Renumbered as Battalion 48                   1906

Battalion 48

Battalion 48 Organized   395 4th Ave, Brooklyn         1906 with Engine 139, from Battalion 38
Battalion 48 Relocated   530 11th St, Brooklyn           1930 with Engine 220
Battalion 48 Relocated   1309 Prospect Ave, Brooklyn 1978 with Engine 240
Battalion 48 Temporary   1336 60th St, Brooklyn         1988 with Engine 247
Battalion 48 Relocated   1309 Prospect Ave, Brooklyn 1988 with Engine 240

Companies in Battalion 48

1906 - 1907 Battalion 48 E120 E139 E140c               L59
1907 - 1908 Battalion 48 E120 E139 E140c               L59   L72
1908 - 1909 Battalion 48 E120 E139 E140c E169       L59   L72
1909 - 1913 Battalion 48 E120 E139 E169                 L59   L72
1913 - 1922 Battalion 48 E220 E239 E269                 L109 L122
1922 - 1941 Battalion 48 E220 E226 E239 E269         L105 L109 L122
1941 - 1951 Battalion 48 E220 E226 E228 E239 E240 E269  L105 L122
1951 - 1969 Battalion 48 E220 E226 E239 E240 E269 L105 L122
1969 - 1975 Battalion 48 E220 E228 E239 E240 E269 L105 L122
1975 - 1977 Battalion 48 E219 E220 E228 E239 E240 L105 L122
1977 - 1987 Battalion 48 E219 E220 E239 E240         L105 L122 S1
1987 - 1988 Battalion 48 E219 E220 E239 E240         L105 L122
1988 - 1989 Battalion 48 E219 E220 E239 E240         L105 L122 S1
1989 - 1995 Battalion 48 E220 E239 E240 E282         L122 L148 S1
1995 - 2005 Battalion 48 E220 E239 E240 E282         L122 L148
2005 -       Battalion 48 E220 E239 E240 E282         L122 L148 S1

c = combination company

 

[t123ken]

I was told once that Battalion 48 was the last battalion to have all its companies in single houses.
Probably in the mid-seventies.

 

[fdhistorian]

The Rockaway Peninsula creates challenges for the 47th Battalion (originally 37th Battalion) in virtually every respect. Located to the south of Jamaica Bay, it is physically remote from the remainder of Queens and Brooklyn. It is accessible by only three routes by land on the eastern end through Nassau County, and by two heavily traveled bridges across the bay. (There is a rail bridge also.) The nearest supporting companies are at least four miles away. By contrast, City Island in the Bronx is only two miles away from companies.

The peninsula is over 11 miles long (Manhattan is 13 miles long) and 1/2 mile in width (2000 feet in some locations.) It has approximately 25 miles of shoreline. The westernmost 4 miles beyond Jacob Riis Park were created by fill in the early 20th century. Building construction ranges from closely spaced, wood frame cottages and bungalows to high rise residential apartment buildings. Five firehouses are lined up numerically east to west, all within a block of Beach Channel Drive, which runs the length of the peninsula. The easternmost Far Rockaway neighborhood has the longest serving (since 1923) double engine house with Engine 264 and Engine 328 (originally Engine 264-2). Responses to the western point communities are over 3 miles for engine and 5 miles for ladder by FDNY.

The original FDNY companies (Engines 164 through 168 and Ladder 71) on Rockaway were the first Queens FDNY companies organized to replace volunteer units. (Engines 258 through 263 were career Long Island City FD units.) Presently, four volunteer companies remain in service within the Battalion 47. Broad Channel, Point Breeze, Rockaway Point and Roxbury are independent volunteer organizations that operate as mutual aid partners with FDNY. As such, there are five fire departments serving Rockaway.

In addition to the physical isolation and long response times for help due to distance and traffic, the battalion is particularly exposed to natural weather events. Blizzards, ice storms, hurricanes, the infrequent earthquake or tsunami, not to mention hot weather induced beach traffic can cut the area off. During Storm Sandy a report was made that the "ocean has met the bay" as the tidal storm surge crossed the peninsula and changed the peninsula into islands.

It is not surprising that Battalion 47 has experienced events that most other battalions have not. Notably conflagrations have destroyed hundreds of buildings in Arverne (1922), Belle Harbor and Breezy Point (2012). A large airliner crashed in the Belle Harbor neighborhood in November 2001. It is the only battalion where all companies are covered and seldom relocate. Pre-positioning resources and pre-emptive evacuation are common considerations.

 

[johnd248]

FDhistorian: your entry refers to Belle Haven.  I believe you might mean Belle Harbor.  The last I knew Belle Haven was part of Greenwich, CT- a true world away in more ways than one.

 

[fdhistorian]

The Rockaway Peninsula creates challenges for the 47th Battalion (originally 37th Battalion) in virtually every respect.  Located to the south of Jamaica Bay, it is physically remote from the remainder of Queens and Brooklyn.  It is accessible by only three routes ? by land on the eastern end through Nassau County, and by two heavily traveled bridges across the bay.  (There is a rail bridge also.)  The nearest supporting companies are at least four miles away.  By contrast, City Island in the Bronx is only two miles away from companies.

The peninsula is over 11 miles long (Manhattan is 13 miles long) and ? mile in width (2000 feet in some locations.)  It has approximately 25 miles of shoreline.  The westernmost 4 miles beyond Jacob Riis Park were created by fill in the early 20th century.  Building construction ranges from closely spaced, wood frame cottages and bungalows to high rise residential apartment buildings.  Five firehouses are lined up numerically east to west, all within a block of Beach Channel Drive, which runs the length of the peninsula.  The easternmost Far Rockaway neighborhood has the longest serving (since 1923) double engine house with Engine 264 and Engine 328 (originally Engine 264-2).  Responses to the western point communities are over 3 miles for engine and 5 miles for ladder by FDNY.

The original FDNY companies (Engines 164 through 168 and Ladder 71) on Rockaway were the first Queens FDNY companies organized to replace volunteer units.  (Engines 258 through 263 were career Long Island City FD units.)  Presently, four volunteer companies remain in service within the Battalion 47.  Broad Channel, Point Breeze, Rockaway Point and Roxbury are independent volunteer organizations that operate as mutual aid partners with FDNY.  As such, there are five fire departments serving Rockaway.

In addition to the physical isolation and long response times for help due to distance and traffic, the battalion is particularly exposed to natural weather events.  Blizzards, ice storms, hurricanes, the infrequent earthquake or tsunami, not to mention hot weather induced beach traffic can cut the area off.  During Storm Sandy a report was made that the ?ocean has met the bay? as the tidal storm surge crossed the peninsula and changed the peninsula into islands.

It is not surprising that Battalion 47 has experienced events that most other battalions have not.  Notably conflagrations have destroyed hundreds of buildings in Arverne (1922), Belle Harbor and Breezy Point (2012).  A large airliner crashed in the Belle Harbor neighborhood in November 2001.  It is the only battalion where all companies are covered and seldom relocate.  Pre-positioning resources and pre-emptive evacuation are common considerations.                             

Battalion 37

Battalion 37 Organized     88-03 Rockaway Beach Blvd 1905 with Ladder 71
Battalion 37 Renumbered as Battalion 47                   1906

Battalion 47

Battalion 47 Organized     88-03 Rockaway Beach Blvd 1906 with Ladder 71, from Battalion 37
Battalion 47  New Station 92-22 Rockaway Beach Blvd 1922 with Engine 266
Battalion 47 Temporary   259 Beach 116th St             2000 with Engine 268
Battalion 47 Renovated   92-22 Rockaway Beach Blvd 2000 with Engine 266
Battalion 47 New Station 48-06 Rockaway Beach Blvd 2004 with Engine 265

 

[fdhistorian]

The Rockaway Peninsula creates challenges for the 47th Battalion (originally 37th Battalion) in virtually every respect.  Located to the south of Jamaica Bay, it is physically remote from the remainder of Queens and Brooklyn.  It is accessible by only three routes ? by land on the eastern end through Nassau County, and by two heavily traveled bridges across the bay.  (There is a rail bridge also.)  The nearest supporting companies are at least four miles away.  By contrast, City Island in the Bronx is only two miles away from companies.

The peninsula is over 11 miles long (Manhattan is 13 miles long) and ? mile in width (2000 feet in some locations.)  It has approximately 25 miles of shoreline.  The westernmost 4 miles beyond Jacob Riis Park were created by fill in the early 20th century.  Building construction ranges from closely spaced, wood frame cottages and bungalows to high rise residential apartment buildings.  Five firehouses are lined up numerically east to west, all within a block of Beach Channel Drive, which runs the length of the peninsula.  The easternmost Far Rockaway neighborhood has the longest serving (since 1923) double engine house with Engine 264 and Engine 328 (originally Engine 264-2).  Responses to the western point communities are over 3 miles for engine and 5 miles for ladder by FDNY.

The original FDNY companies (Engines 164 through 168 and Ladder 71) on Rockaway were the first Queens FDNY companies organized to replace volunteer units.  (Engines 258 through 263 were career Long Island City FD units.)  Presently, four volunteer companies remain in service within the Battalion 47.  Broad Channel, Point Breeze, Rockaway Point and Roxbury are independent volunteer organizations that operate as mutual aid partners with FDNY.  As such, there are five fire departments serving Rockaway.

In addition to the physical isolation and long response times for help due to distance and traffic, the battalion is particularly exposed to natural weather events.  Blizzards, ice storms, hurricanes, the infrequent earthquake or tsunami, not to mention hot weather induced beach traffic can cut the area off.  During Storm Sandy a report was made that the ?ocean has met the bay? as the tidal storm surge crossed the peninsula and changed the peninsula into islands.

It is not surprising that Battalion 47 has experienced events that most other battalions have not.  Notably conflagrations have destroyed hundreds of buildings in Arverne (1922), Belle Harbor and Breezy Point (2012).  A large airliner crashed in the Belle Harbor neighborhood in November 2001.  It is the only battalion where all companies are covered and seldom relocate.  Pre-positioning resources and pre-emptive evacuation are common considerations.                             

Battalion 37

Battalion 37 Organized     88-03 Rockaway Beach Blvd 1905 with Ladder 71
Battalion 37 Renumbered as Battalion 47                   1906

Battalion 47

Battalion 47 Organized     88-03 Rockaway Beach Blvd 1906 with Ladder 71, from Battalion 37
Battalion 47  New Station 92-22 Rockaway Beach Blvd 1922 with Engine 266
Battalion 47 Temporary   259 Beach 116th St             2000 with Engine 268
Battalion 47 Renovated   92-22 Rockaway Beach Blvd 2000 with Engine 266
Battalion 47 New Station 48-06 Rockaway Beach Blvd 2004 with Engine 265

Companies in Battalion 47

1905 - 1906 Battalion 37, Queens E164c E165 E166 E167 E168     L71

1906 - 1913 Battalion 47 E164c E165   E166 E167 E168               L71
1913 - 1927 Battalion 47 E264 E265   E266 E267 E268               L121 L134 L137
1923 - 1939 Battalion 47 E264 E264-2 E265 E266 E267 E268       L121 L134 L137
1939 - 1961 Battalion 47 E264 E265   E266 E267 E268 E328       L121 L134 L137
1961 - 1972 Battalion 47 E264 E265   E266 E267 E268 E328 E329 L121 L134 L137 L171
1972 - 1975 Battalion 47 E264 E265   E266 E268 E328 E329       L121 L134 L137 L171
1975 -       Battalion 47 E264 E265   E266 E268 E328 E329       L121 L134 L137

c = combination company

 

[fdhistorian]

FDhistorian: your entry refers to Belle Haven.  I believe you might mean Belle Harbor.  The last I knew Belle Haven was part of Greenwich, CT- a true world away in more ways than one.

Right you are, on all counts.  Thank you for catching that.  (Slightly larger 'bungalows' in Belle Haven?)

 

[fdhistorian]

The southern reaches of Brooklyn are in the 43rd Battalion.  The well known Coney Island (which is no longer an island but a peninsula, since the Coney Island Creek was filled in about 100 years ago) contains the communities of Coney Island, Brighton Beach, Manhattan Beach and Seagate.  The battalion originated as the 13th District of the Brooklyn Fire Department, becoming the original 33rd Battalion of the FDNY upon consolidation.  In 1906, it was renumbered as the 43rd Battalion.  In 1930, a reorganized 33rd Battalion was formed adjacent to the 43rd Battalion and absorbed Engines 254, 276, Ladders 153 and 156.  Coney Island had its own high pressure hydrant system with one pump station, six miles of large diameter water mains, 150 hydrants and 28 telephone boxes connected directly to the fire stations.

Brooklyn Fire Department

District Engineer 13 Organized   2919 W 8th St, Brooklyn         1895 with Brooklyn FD Engine 45
District Engineer 13 Annexed     as Battalion 13 FDNY Brooklyn 1898

FDNY Brooklyn

Battalion 13           Organized   2919 W 8th St, Brooklyn         1898 with Engine 45 FDNY Brooklyn, from Brooklyn FD District Engineer 13
Battalion 13           Renumbered as Battalion 33                     1898

Battalion 33 original

Battalion 33           Organized   2919 W 8th St, Brooklyn       1898 with Engine 45 Brooklyn, from Battalion 13 FDNY Brooklyn
Battalion 33           New Station 2929 W 8th St, Brooklyn       1904 with Engine 145  Brooklyn
Battalion 33           Renumbered as Battalion 43                     1906

Battalion 43

Battalion 43           Organized   2929 W 8th St, Brooklyn       1906 with Engine 145  Brooklyn, from Battalion 33
Battalion 43           Relocated     2732 E 11th St, Brooklyn     1968 with Engine 246
Battalion 43           New Station 2929 W 8th St, Brooklyn     1971 with Engine 245