History - Rutherford Fire Department Engine Co. #2

Our History

Fire Engine Company No. 2 was founded in March of 1886 during a meeting at the home of John E. Pontin. Engine 2 has since provided 24/7/365 fire and rescue services to the borough residents, all without pay.

Invited for a dinner at the home of David C. Ivison at the Iviswold Castle (located at current Felician University), company members were attired in formal wear and silk hats. When they were called out for a fire, as they were leaving they tipped their top hats to the Sammartinos, and Mrs. Sammartino yelled “There go the Tophatters!”

Pictured: Iviswold Castle, 231 Montross Avenue (2023)

Engine 2 was previously stationed across from the train station in the McMain building (9 Park Avenue), as well as on Sylvan Street, W. Passaic/Park Avenue, Highland Cross and 165-167 Park Avenue (current Cafe Matisse). Pictured below is the firehouse Engine 2 used from 1912 to 1972 and is seated next to the Masonic Temple. In collaboration with the Rutherford Historic Preservation Committee, and the Rutherford Council, a plaque was placed on the building in November of 2021 to forever mark where we called home for 60 years.

Credit: Rutherford Historic Preservation Committee

In 1972, Engine 2 was then relocated and settled at our current firehouse – 400 Mortimer Ave, located at the corner of West Pierrepont and Mortimer Avenue. The Rutherford Firemen’s Park is located across the street. The Mortimer Avenue Firehouse used to be an old car dealership before it was converted into a firehouse.