OFFICERS

 History of Eagle Engine Company #2

Before there was an Eagle Engine Co. #2 there was a Station #2.  During the period of the mid to late 1960’s and into the start of the 1970’s the Holbrook community was in the process of substantial growth on many fronts.  Up until that time Holbrook was a town of nominal businesses and a moderate amount of residential housing that dotted many large tracks of wooded areas.

At the time the Long Island Expressway concluded traveling east at exit 61.  For many individuals and families in search of a suburban life many chose Holbrook to reside.  This caused a substantial boom in the building of many residential housing developments throughout the town as well as accompanying businesses.  With this expansion, many public services also needed to be expanded to accommodate the growing population and community needs.

Recognizing this need the Holbrook Fire District insightfully chose to expand the logistical services of The Holbrook Fire Department.  In addition to the department’s headquarters located on Terry Boulevard, two new sub-stations were to be constructed strategically on the east and south ends of the district.  The new stations were to be located on Patchogue-Holbrook Rd., and Church St.  These two new facilities were opened on October 7, 1973.  The proactive approach of the district proved correct when during a two-year period starting in 1975 the Holbrook community was statistically the fastest growing community in the state.

With the opening of Sub-Station #2 those department members residing on the east side of town no longer needed to make the “commute” as it was referred to up to Terry Blvd. and headquarters to respond to an alarm.  The immediate result was a timelier response particularly alarms received for the area Station #2 was located in as well as the entire district.  The members of Station #2 were still assigned to either one of the two already existing companies, Lightning Engine Co. #1 and Jupiter 27company.

 For the next decade this small group of individuals continued as members in their respective companies partaking in those companies’ activities although they responded and worked together at alarms.  The station two members did not drill, train or partake in meetings together other than on a department level.  This arrangement at times proved to be a problem administratively, with morale, volume of membership and that membership’s productive active participation. 

Due to the poor results, at times there was even consideration by some of closing the station.  An identity and cohesiveness to those firefighters assigned to Station #2 was lacking. Even the term “sub-station” was considered to be negative and derogatory amongst the department membership.  Inevitably though, through the continued participation of a handful of dedicated members, camaraderie amongst the members assigned to Station #2 was continuing to develop.  The “East Side Gang” as they were being referred to had come to be.

For the preceding years so far this small group had developed bonds and friendships both in as well as outside the firehouse as firefighters and neighbors.  Several of these individuals had seen it was time for a decisive change and a new identity for themselves and Station #2.  This began the concept of a new company to be founded with its own goals. This new company would unify Station Two’s members as one.  Most felt as we respond together, we socialize together, then why not train as firefighters and develop our own identity as a company together.

Forming a new company would not be an easy undertaking and would not be accomplished overnight.  The idea was not met with a positive response from the department’s membership including several members assigned to Station #2 themselves.  This being aside, the Chief’s office was considering a new policy of station alarm responses at night.  A primary issue with station alarm responses as well as all responses in general was how to ensure the presence of an officer for alarms as the current line officers responded to the stations nearest their homes.  For many, two new companies for the two sub-stations answered this problem as well as all the other obvious issues.

 The undertaking of promoting this project was led by Fred Brace, John Hickey, Cliff Pendl, Gary Johnson, Richard Vetter, and Frank Fritz amongst others.  The department would need to be convinced of the want, need, benefits, and feasibility of this idea.  At the same time, similar efforts were under way by those members assigned to Station #1.  Although skeptical himself of the concept, as luck would have it an insightful gentleman, that being Chief George Kortlang Jr., led the department.  The obvious obstacles to creating new companies were daunting but eagerly undertaken by those who believed the department, as a whole, would benefit from them.  Finally after much solicitation and convincing at the department level, the approval of the “station companies” as it was termed was granted.  The Chief of the Department, Chief Kortlang, would oversee the formation of these two new companies directly.  For those pursuing this effort the long work had only just begun.

Following the efforts to bring the creation of a new company to incorporate all of the members assigned to Station #2 into a unified group, the work to develop a base for this fledgling company had began.  It had been determined by the new company’s members that a significant name and symbol would be needed to represent the companies intended values.  These values were determined to be those of unity, dedication, honor, sacrifice and courage.  In addition to these values the overall traditional virtues of “brotherhood” of the firefighting service.  In patriotic fashion the name “Eagle” and symbol of our nation an American Bald Eagle was chosen to represent the company.  Time and the ensuing results would show this choice to be most appropriate.  This new company became known as Eagle Engine Company # 2 of The Holbrook Volunteer Fire Department, established on April 15, 1985.

Much organizational work would need to be done so as to properly administrate the company and its firefighters by its officers.  The following day on April 16, 1985 the first elections were held for Eagle’s new officers.  Two competent individuals were nominated for the position as the company’s first Captain. They were Fred Brace and Rick Gimbl both former Captains of Jupiter and Lightning respectively.  In an election presided over by then Assistant Chief Stephen McGerty, Fred Brace, who already was at the forefront of Eagle’s creation, was elected as Captain in a most decisive and unanimous victory by those in attendance.

Captain Brace with his newly elected Lieutenant John Hickey would be charged with leading the members of Eagle both administratively as well as on the fire ground.  Needless to say Fred and John, Secretary Cliff Pendl, and Treasurer Marty Levy all eagerly began their important new assignments.  The “East Side Gang” now had a new identity, a new purpose, and new goals. The company members as a whole now set numerous and tough objectives for themselves for the months and years to come.

The first meeting of this newly formed company was held on April 22, 1985.  The business conducted at the meeting was minimal in comparison to today’s standards with a brief captain’s report, the formation of committees and the proposal of the founding by- laws.  In addition, a training schedule was developed and some most humble financial business was attended to.

All those involved knew the time to talk about it had past. It was time to do it as actions spoke louder than words. Eagle Engine Company #2 was born.  It now over time needed to spread its wings and slowly learn to soar.

Charter Members

 Fred Brace, Charter Captain

John Hickey, Charter Lieutenant  

 Presented annually to a member who reflects the dedication shown by our first captain, and who has displayed their loyalty and commitment in helping to achieve the goals set forth by the captains of this company.

Fireman of the Year

Congratulations Probationary Firefighter Ryan McNulty

Company Fundraiser