The ** Jersey City Fire Department** is the largest in the state of New Jersey and provides fire protection and hazardous materials services to the city of Jersey City. In all, the department is responsible for 21 sqmi with a population of 261,940 residents, which makes it the second largest city in NJ, behind Newark. The department is part of the Metro USAR Strike Team, which consists of nine North Jersey fire departments and other emergency services divisions working to address major emergency rescue situations.

History

The department got its start in the spring of 1829 after several fires occurred in the city and the public demanded fire protection. Thirty citizens signed up and on September 21, 1829, the Liberty Engine Company No. 1 was established. Jersey City's fire department was the only New Jersey department to receive an official call for assistance during the September 11 attacks, with hundreds of department personnel assisting in the Ground Zero cleanup effort. Among the first responders who perished on that day was Fire Department of Jersey City dispatcher Joseph Lovero, who was hit by a piece of debris. The Fire Department of Jersey City named its fireboat after him.

Stations and apparatus

Disbanded fire companies

Throughout the JCFD's history, several fire companies have been disbanded due to budget cuts to the department and reorganization. Reserve and spare apparatus assigned with disbanded company numbers