Captain - Mark Palios

1st Lieutenant - Ron Meehan

2nd Lieutenant - Chris Hengerle

Just what does an Engine Company do at a fire? Traditionally, an Engine Company attacks and extinguishes the fire itself. Its most basic job is to put out the fire with the application of water by the firefighters.

Engine Company firefighters are also assigned the task of searching and rescuing any victims of the fire premises.

It may sound fairly basic, but it is really a very complicated process that must be properly coordinated with the operations of the Hook and Ladder firefighters.

In order to establish the required supply lines and attack the fire itself, the firefighters must have the ability and skill to properly initiate the needed water supply. One doesn't simply “drag a fire hose” up several flights of stairs or into a burning structure. It requires training and experience to safely and efficiently smother a blaze.

Engine Company personnel are traditionally closest to the fire itself, and they must always be aware of their surroundings and potential hazards. They, like all members of the fire service, must be ready to react if conditions change. They must be able to “interpret" the fire (changes in smoke conditions) and avoid situations that may compromise their safety.

In a nutshell, the objectives of an Engine Company are to:

• Rescue any victims

• Protect nearby exposures

• Confine the fire so it doesn't spread

• Extinguish the fire

• Overhaul the fireground. Overhaul is a term used to make certain that all of the smaller pockets of fires are out after the main source has been extinguished.

It's also important to understand that the work of an Engine Company will be done in an environment of flames and heat. Heavy, black smoke can reduce visibility to less than an arm's length. Pressurized air packs and other safety equipment are used to aid a firefighter in his/her survival. However, this equipment is bulky and heavy, and the weight and size of these units place a physical strain on the firefighter. The Stony Brook Volunteer Fire Dept emphasizes equipment training so each member is a qualified operator.

An Engine Company firefighter must understand the nature of fire and how it can spread, sometimes even behind walls where it can't be seen. Building construction, materials used in construction, possible chemical hazards, and the safety of any occupants are all on the firefighter's mind.

Over the years, Engine Company vehicles and equipment have been designed to allow fire fighters to function effectively, efficiently, and safely

With proper training and experience, Engine Company personnel acquire the skills and judgment required for this demanding and critical job at a fire scene.

Click here to see what the what the traditional Hook and Ladder company does at a fire.