Ocean Hill's Storied Rescue Company 2 Marks 100 Years of Service

By Lloyd Mitchell, Brooklyn Paper

The FDNY’s elite Rescue Company 2 celebrated its 100th anniversary on Saturday. Established in 1925, the unit — nicknamed “The Rescue” — has built a reputation as one of the toughest firefighting teams in the department, specializing in rescuing civilians and recovering downed firefighters from hazardous conditions.

Over the past century, only 400 firefighters and fire officers have served in the highly decorated unit, which has suffered 12 line-of-duty deaths. Originally stationed on Carlton Avenue in Fort Greene, where it shared a firehouse with Engine Company 210, the company later moved to Jay Street before relocating to 1472 Bergen Street in Weeksville.

Today, it operates from 1815 Sterling Place in Ocean Hill.

Chief Freddie Gallagher founded rescue Company 2 with a singular mission: to get civilians and firefighters out of dangerous situations. The company responds to all confirmed fires in Brooklyn and provides specialized assistance across Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, and the Bronx when needed. Operating with six members per shift, the unit is called upon for some of the city’s most challenging emergencies.

Reflecting on the legacy of Rescue Company 2, Captain Liam Flaherty paid tribute to past members, recalling his early days in the FDNY.

“When I was a young firefighter at Engine Company 238 in Williamsburg, we were assigned as the extra engine,” he said. “I saw Rescue 2 roll up. I saw Jack Kleehaas walk out of the bread box, Ray Downey get out of the officer’s seat with this look of ‘been there, done that before.’”

Throughout the day, stories of heroism were shared, with one in particular standing out.

“It is mind-boggling how many legends walked through these doors,” Flaherty said. “This may go down as one of the most epic transmissions on the fireground ever. There was a major collapse at an auto parts store on 4th Avenue. The chief is running around screaming to his aide, ‘Give a second alarm.’ Larry Grey, from under the collapsed debris with his arm sticking out, says, ‘Make that a third alarm.’”

For Senior Firefighter Jimmy Lopez, Rescue Company 2 has always been more than a firehouse — it’s a legacy. His father worked at the company from 1972 through 1985.

“The place always smelled like fire,” he recalled. “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.”

Lopez said the high standards of Rescue Company 2 pushed every firefighter to be their best, leaving no room for complacency.

“You can elevate yourself at other companies by cooking or being funny — the only thing that matters here is your ability to do your job,” he said. “Rescue 2’s reputation has been earned through blood, sweat, and sometimes the ultimate sacrifice.”

The March 1 celebration brought together both old and new members to recognize “The Rescue’s” century of service.

“The members who work at Rescue 2 are role models,” said FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker. “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.”

Editor’s note: A version of this story originally ran in Brooklyn Paper. Click here to see the original story.

Related Stories

• Civic Pride: From Romanesque Revival to Neo-Brutalist, Brooklyn’s Firehouses Impress
• Studio Gang-Designed Firehouse With Red Terra-Cotta Panels Ready to Open in Ocean Hill
• Red Terra-Cotta Panels Emerge on Studio Gang’s In-Progress Concrete Firehouse in Ocean Hill

Email tips@brownstoner.com with further comments, questions or tips. Follow Brownstoner on X and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.