Redevelopment of the Hudson River waterfront has made Jersey City one of the largest centers of banking and finances in the United States. There are around 200 high-rise buildings in this city now, with many more on the drawing board. Currently, nine of the state's tallest buildings are located here, according to Fire Chief Steve McGill.

As a city grows, the fire department must keep up. In 2019, the department acquired a new pumper with a 2000, three-stage pump that is rated to pump 500-GPM at 700 psi. Water can reach the upper floors of these structures quicker, as well as assist with operations in the event of a building pump failure. This unit is assigned to Engine Co. 6 in the downtown section.

In addition to this apparatus, a former downtown engine company was recently re-activated in this sprawling area. In the local fire service, we have become all too familiar with fire companies being closed and departments conducting “brown outs,” closing one or more fire companies on a particular tour when manpower is low and over time is not an option.

On January 8th, Engine Company 1 was reactivated, operating from the Newark Avenue firehouse along with Engine Co. 5, Ladder Co. 2 and the Chief of the 1st Battalion. Engine 1 was disbanded on March 22, 1991, along with Engine 22 (since re-activated) and Truck Co.'s 1 and 5.

According to the general order, Liberty Engine 1 was re-established and recognized as a fully equipped reserve engine company. It will be placed in service whenever appropriate staffing is available and/or during recalls.

In addition, this G.O. states that Liberty Engine 1 was established on October 2, 1829, as the department's first engine company. The current Engine 1 has “Liberty Engine One” lettering located above the windshield.

Engine 1 has been assigned a 2003 Pierce 2000-GPM pumper that saw original duty with Engine Co. 9. When that company received a new engine, old 9 received upgrades, re-numbered, and it was then assigned to Engine Co. 22, until that company received a new apparatus in 2020.

After new firefighters were sworn in on the steps of City Hall on December 8th, the department boast 657 uniformed firefighters and officers. They protect a population described as 300,000 by Mayor Steven Fulop.

The influx of new firefighters enables every firehouse to be fully staffed, according to a city statement. With this manning, Engine 1 should be on duty more than it is off. A step in the right direction for a growing city.