Combined Fire Companies 1975-1976:
History:
- Organized during 1970s NYC fiscal crisis to save officer salaries
- Concept was announced to improve coordinated attack at incidents and fires under one officer and enable better development of FFs in both engine and truck functions. It was primarily an attempt to save money.
- CFC 121, 1974-1975, (Engine 70/Ladder 52 City Island, Bronx) and CFC 151, 1974-1977, (Engine 311/Ladder 158 Springfield Gardens, Queens) were also organized CFCs
- CFC numbering: first digit "1" for CFC designation; 2nd digit for boro ("2" Bronx,"3 Queens", "5" SI); 3rd didit was for unit organized in boro
- FDNY had planned up to 10 CFCs
- CFCs responded as one unit to all incidents with both apparatus under command of one officer - a captain
- Five captains in CFC replaced two captains and 6 lieutenants assigned to engine and ladder companies (one administrative captain assigned to each CFC)
- CFCs were assigned a 1000 GPM pumper and a 75 ft tower ladder
- CFC unit always responded with both apparatus required utilizing both sections for minor incidents
- CFC concept problems included: lack of control at fires and incidents; both sections responded to all incidents normally requiring one company; relocations and multiples were problems
- Numerous engine, ladder and squad companies also disbanded in 1970s added to CFCs lack of assignment flexibility problem
CFCs Runs and Workers:
CFC 121 CFC 131 CFC 151
1975 108 733 2151
1976 853 2255
Combined Fire Company 131 1974-1977 7219 Amboy Road Tottenville, Staten Island 8th Division, 23rd Battalion "The Combo"
Combined Fire Company 151 1974-1977 145050 Springfield Blvd Springfield Gardens, Queens
Organized from Engine 311 and Ladder 158
Combined Fire Company 121 1974-1975 169 Schofield St City Island, Bronx
Organized from Engine 70 and Ladder 53