Albany Fire Department (New York)

The Albany Fire Department operates out of eight fire stations located throughout the city.[2] These eight houses are divided into two battalions with roughly 60 firefighters working each shift. Engine Companies and Truck Companies are manned by one officer and three firefighters. Paramedic units, also called rescues, are staffed by an officer and a firefighter while the departments sole heavy rescue has one officer and five firefighters.[3] AFD engines are sometimes commonly referred to as "pumpers". Pumpers carry a full complement of fire hose, collapsible and extension ladders, various hand tools and basic life support (BLS) Emergency Medical Services equipment. The department also has four ladder companies, commonly called "truck companies." Each truck Company has a 100-foot aerial ladder and has a full load of ground extension, roof and other specialty ladders. These trucks are also equipped with various hand and power tools for search and rescue and ventilation as well as Basic Life Support (BLS) Emergency Medical Services equipment.[3] The three paramedic units, also known as rescues, are responsible for providing advanced life support services on EMS calls, and work in conjunction with the contracted ambulance provider, Mohawk Ambulance Service. The members assigned to all rescues can fully support engine company and truck company operations when not delivering medical services.[3] The departments heavy rescue squad fills multiple roles in the Albany Fire Department. Their primary role is the rescue of any occupants who are trapped. In addition, the rescue squad carries vehicular extrication and stabilization equipment, forcible entry and salvage equipment. The squad is also AFDs primary hazardous material response unit, and carries the necessary equipment. The heavy rescue vehicle also carries spare self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) bottles to refill other companies in operations extending over a long period of time.[3]