NEW YORK — Brooklyn’s Rescue Company 2, one of the FDNY’s most elite and specialized units, marked its 100th anniversary this week with a grand celebration honoring a century of bravery and sacrifice.
The company, based in Crown Heights, has been at the forefront of some of the city’s most challenging rescues, responding to fires, building collapses and high-risk emergencies since its founding in 1925.
FDNY officials, firefighters and community members gathered at the Rescue 2 firehouse to commemorate the milestone, reflecting on the company’s storied history, the department stated.
Rescue 2 is one of five FDNY rescue companies, each trained in specialized techniques, including rope rescues, confined space operations and water rescues. Over the years, its members have played critical roles in some of New York City’s most devastating incidents, including the September 11 attacks, Hurricane Sandy and countless building fires.
Established at a time when firefighting methods were evolving, Rescue 2 has remained at the cutting edge of emergency response, adapting to new challenges and technologies. The company moved into a state-of-the-art facility in 2019, designed to enhance training and preparedness for extreme conditions.
“The place always smelled like fire,” Firefighter Jimmy Lopez told the Brooklyn Paper. “As a child, I could feel the intensity of the unit. Through the eyes of a young firefighter, I wanted to emulate them. They were leaders and elevated everyone around them.”
The 100th anniversary celebration paid tribute to the fallen firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Family members of past and present Rescue 2 firefighters attended the event, highlighting the deep bond within the FDNY community.
“The members who work at Rescue 2 are role models,” FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker said. “They are humble. They are mentors and they’re experts at their craft. I wish them hundreds more years of the kind of service that they’ve given to our great city.”
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