Ladder 2

Ladder 2 2021 Pierce tower ladder 

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