Is E-44 a de facto Squad?

[Air Recon]

So I just heard on Manhattan frequency E-44 responding to a minor HazMat job which HM1 and the HM BC were also dispatched to and subsequently turned back. E-44 is continuing in. So, my question is is E-44 trained and equipment to serve as a Squad Company even though they don't have the title of a Squad?  I see on FDNYtrucks.com they have (had?) a squad-like second piece:

And wasn't there a consideration about 12 years ago to relocate SQ242 to E-44 which was later shelved?

 

[XPFD3]

Engine 44 is a Haz Tech Engine Company not a Squad Company.  Members are trained to the Hazardous Material Technician Level.  They do not receive the Technical Rescue Training Squad Company members receive.  E.165 on Staten Island, E.250 in Brooklyn and E.274 in Queens are also Haz Tech Engine Companies.

 

[baileyjeff]

Yes when mayor Bloomberg closed 6 engine companies back in 2003 there were going to close Engine 44, relocate Squad 252 to Engine 44 quartes, why? Because Engine 44 is first due to Mayor Bloombergs residence.

 

[Air Recon]

Which companies did actually get shut down?  Weren't E204 and E212 among the chopped?

 

[fdny1075k]

Which companies did actually get shut down?  Weren't E204 and E212 among the chopped?

The engines closed in 2003 were 36, 204, 209, 212, 261, and 278.

 

[baileyjeff]

Would love to see a few of those companies reopened. Mainly 204, 209, and 261.

 

[FDNYSTATENISLAND]

Would love to see a few of those companies reopened. Mainly 204, 209, and 261.

All areas that are seeing more and more work. Engine 261 would of saw a first due job today with 116, no? 

 

[Air Recon]

So with E209 disbanded it is only a ladder company (L102) and the BC in quarters?  From the looks of things they didn't move anything else into their quarters.

 

[XPFD3]

Only Ladder 102 in quarters.  Engine 209 was disbanded in 2003.  Battalion 34 was disbanded in 1989.

 

[baileyjeff]

It would not surprise me if Engine 235 and battalion 57 move in one day to 102's quarters.