The Pride Of The East Side: 7 Must-Know Facts About FDNY Engine 28/Ladder 11, Home To Heroes And The Latest 2023 Seagrave Pumper

Engine 28 of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), co-located with Ladder Company 11 at 222 East 2nd Street in Manhattan, remains one of the city’s most historically significant and active fire companies, a true cornerstone of the East Village and Alphabet City neighborhoods. As of today, December 10, 2025, the company continues its long tradition of service, operating with some of the newest and most modern apparatus in the FDNY fleet.

The history of this firehouse, often referred to as "The Pride of the East Side," is a powerful narrative of architectural heritage, intense operational demands, and profound sacrifice. From its 19th-century origins to its crucial role on September 11, 2001, and its recent fleet upgrade, Engine 28/Ladder 11 embodies the spirit of the New York City Bravest, serving a densely populated and historically rich area.

The Evolving Profile and Latest Apparatus Update (2025)

Engine Company 28 and Ladder Company 11, housed together in the East Village, operate as a single unit, providing primary fire and rescue services to a dynamic and challenging urban environment. Their operational profile is one of constant readiness, handling everything from structural fires in old tenement buildings to medical emergencies and complex rescue scenarios.

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• Location: 222 East 2nd Street, Manhattan, NY (Alphabet City / Lower East Side)
• Co-Located Companies: Engine Company 28 and Ladder Company 11
• Engine 28 Apparatus (Latest Update): A state-of-the-art 2023 Seagrave Attacker HD Pumper (Shop: SP 23013), capable of pumping 2,000 gallons per minute (GPM) and carrying 500 gallons of water. This modern apparatus is a critical upgrade for a busy Manhattan company.
• Ladder 11 Apparatus (Latest Update): Ladder 11 is currently operating with a 2024 apparatus, further demonstrating the FDNY’s commitment to equipping this high-volume house with the newest technology.
• Neighborhoods Served: East Village, Alphabet City, and parts of the Lower East Side.

This dual-company firehouse is responsible for an area known for its dense population, narrow streets, and a mix of residential and commercial properties, making the speed and capability of their new pumper and ladder truck absolutely essential for rapid response.

A Deep Dive into the Firehouse’s Historic Architecture and Busiest Era

The building that houses Engine 28/Ladder 11 is not just a functional fire station; it is a piece of New York City history and a prime example of 19th-century municipal architecture.

The Napoleon LeBrun Design (1879)

The firehouse at 222 East 2nd Street was constructed in 1879 and designed by the renowned architect Napoleon LeBrun. LeBrun was a prominent figure in New York architecture, serving as the official architect for the FDNY for a period. His designs are recognizable for their distinctive brickwork and architectural details, many of which still stand across the city today. This firehouse is one of LeBrun’s early contributions to the FDNY’s infrastructure, giving it significant historical value.

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"The Busiest in the World" (1979)

The company’s operational history is marked by periods of intense activity, particularly during the city’s fiscal crisis and high-fire years of the 1970s. During this time, the East Village and surrounding areas saw a dramatic increase in structural fires. Engine 28/Ladder 11 was so active that, according to some reports, it was considered the busiest fire department in the world in 1979. This extraordinary claim underscores the relentless operational tempo and the bravery of the firefighters who served during that challenging era, solidifying the firehouse’s legendary status.

The Enduring Legacy of Sacrifice: Engine 28 and 9/11

No discussion of Engine 28/Ladder 11 is complete without acknowledging the profound sacrifice made during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. While Engine 28 itself did not lose members that day, the firehouse suffered a devastating loss: six members of its co-located company, Ladder 11, perished at the World Trade Center. The Engine 28 members who responded to the scene spent the days and weeks that followed tirelessly searching the rubble for their lost "housemates" and brothers.

The Heroes of Ladder 11

The loss of the six Ladder 11 members—a significant portion of the company—left an indelible mark on the firehouse and the entire community. Their sacrifice is immortalized within the walls of the firehouse, where a permanent memorial stands as a reminder of their bravery and their ultimate devotion to duty. The shared firehouse experience means Engine 28 carries the memory of Ladder 11’s fallen heroes every day, a poignant symbol of the FDNY’s brotherhood.

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The Famous Photograph of Firefighter Mike Kehoe

A notable figure from Engine 28's history during the 9/11 attacks is Firefighter Mike Kehoe. Kehoe is known for a powerful and iconic photograph taken on September 11, 2001. The image captured him climbing the stairs of the North Tower, a haunting testament to the courage of the first responders who rushed toward danger. Kehoe survived the collapse, and his story, alongside the memorial to his fallen colleagues, is a central part of the company's legacy.

Topical Entities and LSI Keywords

The story of Engine 28/Ladder 11 is rich with specific entities that contribute to its topical authority and historical depth. These elements collectively paint a picture of a company deeply rooted in Manhattan’s history and dedicated to modern firefighting excellence.

• Apparatus: 2023 Seagrave Attacker HD Pumper, 2024 Ladder Truck, 2000 GPM Pump, 500 Gallon Tank.
• Key Locations: 222 East 2nd Street, Alphabet City, East Village, Lower East Side, Manhattan.
• Historical Figures & Events: Napoleon LeBrun (Architect), 1879 Firehouse Construction, Busiest Fire Department in the World (1979), September 11th Attacks, World Trade Center.
• Personnel & Ranks: Firefighter Mike Kehoe, Ladder 11 Members, Engine Company 28 Captain, FDNY Bravest.
• FDNY Structure: Ladder Company 11, Engine Company 28, Battalion 4 (neighboring company), Manhattan Division 1 (general area).

Engine 28/Ladder 11 stands as a powerful symbol of the FDNY’s past, present, and future. From its historic brick facade to the cutting-edge technology of its new Seagrave pumper, the company continues to serve the East Side with the same dedication and heroism that has defined it for over a century.