Reliance Engine Company #2
Reliance Engine Company #2, located on Holland Avenue just off of Jericho Turnpike, was organized on March 26, 1910. Reliance has always been in the same proximity of its current location, with the first firehouse located at Hinsdale Avenue and Jericho Turnpike, and then on Spooner Street just off Plainfield Avenue.
The firefighters of Reliance are a unique group of men made up from all walks of life. Generations of families and most importantly neighbors, the Reliance members all have the same unwavering dedication and hard-working desire to provide the very best fire protection available. Those original few men who sought to protect themselves and their businesses are no longer with us. Many of them distinguished themselves by serving as Officers and many later became Chiefs leading the Department. Those of us who now serve in Reliance Engine Company are extremely dedicated and strive to uphold the traditions of the past while also building a better future. The first woman in the Reliance Co. joined in 1994. Judith Walsh, dedicated to that spirit and tradition, served as Captain from 2004-2007.
Heroism goes hand in hand with the Fire Service, paid or volunteer. One such example occurred on September 11, 2001. Paramedic Keith Fairben of New York Presbyterian Hospital gave the ultimate sacrifice in an effort to save the lives of those injured at the World Trade Center. Keith followed in the footsteps of his Father, Ex-Chief Ken Fairben, and his Uncle, Ex-Chief Jim Fairben. Keith was the 2nd Lieutenant of the Reliance Company at the time of his death. Since then, annual fundraisers have been held in memory of Keith to fund a scholarship for a Floral Park firefighter pursuing a career as a Paramedic.
In terms of operations, Reliance Engine Company operates a 1500 GPM 2024 White Spartan/Marion Pumper, assigned Engine 126. Engine 126 primarily serves the residents on the North Side of town, being dubbed the nickname, "The Northsiders."
Reliance Firehouse on Holland Avenue
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Pictured above are the current Reliance Company Line Officers for the 2026-2027 term:
Captain Felix Ison (Center)
1st Lieutenant Jesse Scott (Left)
2nd Lieutenant Ryan Galasso (Right)