Ladder 2
2021 Pierce Ascendant 100' Tower Ladder
Cambridge Fire photo
History of Ladder # 2
Ladder Company #2 was organized in 1873 in a wooden building at Cambridge and Portland Streets but at this time, no men were assigned to the company. In 1874, Ladder 2 was placed in full service. The company was equipped with a ladder carriage built by E.B. Leverich of New York and was built in the New York City pattern. Ladder 2 at this time was named Bradford Ladder Company #2. In 1882, the company was equipped with a 65' Bangor pole ladder.
In July of 1886, the company's quarters was condemned and construction was begun on new quarters. Ladder 2 moved in to the new fire house at 386 Portland Street in 1887. On 18 March 1902, a new Abbot and Downing ladder carriage was placed in service. This rig carried two 30 gallon chemical tanks. In December of 1921, a new American LaFrance 75' tractor-trailer ladder truck was placed in service. With this new truck, Ladder 2 became motorized. Ladder 2 was the last company in the city to become motorized .
In January, 1942 a new Pirsch 100' tractor-trailer aerial ladder truck was placed in service by the company. On 19 January 1963, another new 100' tractor-trailer ladder truck was placed in service.
On 19 Sept. 1978, Ladder Company #2 moved into new quarters with Engine 3 at 173 Cambridge Street. (The Portland Street firehouse burned in a two alarm fire on 22 October 1978, Box 2-2161).
The company received a rebuilt 1959 Pirsch 100' tractor-trailer on 25 Aug. 1982. This truck had been rebuilt by Continental Fire Trucks, Inc. of Hopkinton, MA. On 29 Aug. 1989, the company placed in service a 1976 Seagrave 100' tractor trailer, the former apparatus of Boston Ladder 7. On 15 Oct. 1991, Truck 2 placed the 1986 100' Sutphen aerial tower in service. This truck had been formerly assigned to Truck 1.
On March 19, 2002, a 2002 Pierce mid-mount, heavy duty, 95' Tower Ladder was placed in service.
On October 6, 2021, a new 2021 Pierce Velocity cab, Ascendant mid-mount 100' Tower Ladder was placed in service. This truck includes energy saving IRT (Idle Reduction Technology) and TAK3 rear steering.
For questions about Ladder Company # 2, email the Captain of Ladder 2 Here:
Historical information provided by Ed Morrissey
Ladder # 2 Statistics
| Calendar Year |
Responses |
Building Fires |
| 2023 |
1417 |
22 |
| 2022 |
1365 |
26 |
| 2021 |
1319 |
26 |
| 2020 |
1115 |
25 |
| 2019 |
1379 |
40 |
| 2018 |
1356 |
33 |
| 2017 |
1223 |
20 |
| 2016 |
1265 |
25 |
| 2015 |
1245 |
33 |
| 2014 |
1186 |
30 |
| 2013 |
1068 |
36 |
| Fiscal Year |
Responses |
Building Fires |
| 2012/2013 |
1047 |
59 |
| 2011/2012 |
876 |
23 |
| 2010/2011 |
1229 |
32 |
| 2009/2010 |
1231 |
44 |
| 2008/2009 |
1247 |
32 |