FDNY Field Communications Unit
Assignment
At the scene of large fires, the Field Communications Unit assists the Incident Commander and becomes the hub of all communications needs. They constantly broadcast the status and progress of the firefighters so other units can ready themselves to respond if necessary. The unit is staffed by Fire Alarm Dispatchers and responds on 2nd alarms, 10-60 (Major Emergency Response), 10-76 (fire in a high-rise commercial building), 10-77 (fire in a high-rise residential building) & special calls.
A Brief History
Organized in 1953 with two International-Harvester “Metro” vans. Officially placed in service on April 13, 1956. Three months later Field Comm was on the scene at the spectacular Wanamaker Department Store fire in Manhattan. This 5th alarm on July 14, 1956 was fought for two days by over 600 firefighters. (WNYF October 1956).
Current Field Comm Apparatus:
- Field Comm Unit 1 2014 Seagrave
- Field Comm Unit 2 2001 Freightliner FL106 / ALF (reserve unit)
Both are located at Engine 233 - Spare 2002 Freightliner Sprinter / ALF (reserve unit)
Field Comm Location History
1956 at Engine 66 Foot of Grand Street (Marine 6)
1957 at Engine 16 223 E. 25th Street
1958 at Engine 49 Welfare Island
1961 at Engine 23 215 W. 58th Street
1964 at Engine 259 33-51 Greenpoint Avenue
1965 at Engine 39 157 E. 67th Street
1965 at Engine 259 FC 2 Organized 1965. Disbanded in 1974
1974 at Engine 259 33-51 Greenpoint Avenue
1978 at Engine 262 30-89 21st Street
1978 at Engine 259 33-51 Greenpoint Avenue
1979 at Engine 262 30-89 21st Street
1980 at Engine 207 172 Tillary Street (Superpumper quarters)
1991 at Engine 233 25 Rockaway Avenue
1998 at Engine 207 172 Tillary Street
2002 at Engine 233 25 Rockaway Avenue