Rotterdam Volunteer Fire Company Of Rotterdam District 2, INC.
“Pride of Midtown”
Proudly Serving Since 1934
Rotterdam Volunteer Fire Company Of Rotterdam District 2, INC.
“Pride of Midtown”
Proudly Serving Since 1934
“Pride of Midtown”
Proudly Serving Since 1934
“Pride of Midtown”
Proudly Serving Since 1934
Welcome to Rotterdam Fire District #2's website. This website is designed to inform citizens not only within our own fire district, but anyone, about fire safety and prevention, the history of RFD#2, upcoming and current events, and important announcements involving the community. Our volunteers are exceptionally trained, dedicated and committed to keeping your life and property safe. Please take the time to explore this website and learn what RFD#2 is all about.
Rotterdam Fire District #2 is a 100% volunteer fire company, with 40 active members. We are one of eight fire departments in the Town of Rotterdam. We specialize in fire suppression, auto extrication, and utilize our highly-trained Rapid Intervention Team (RIT). On average, we respond to more than 350 calls per year. We provide mutual aid to all of the fire departments in Rotterdam. We also provide our RIT to places in and outside of Schenectady County.
Our mission at Rotterdam Fire District #2 is to promote fire safety and provide our community with the best quality response and assistance in their time of need. We will accomplish our mission through rigorous training, effective education, and strong dedication to ensuring the safety and welfare of our members as well as people that we serve.
Here at Rotterdam Fire District #2, we have five core values: Brotherhood, Honor, Teamwork, Integrity, and Respect. These values are critical in the field of fire service, and without them, a fire department can easily fail. We adhere to these core values each and every day, in order to keep our neighbors and fellow firefighters safe and to provide the best service possible.
Do you think you have what it takes to become a firefighter here at Rotterdam Fire District #2? Click the button below to learn more about joining our Fire Company.
Another District 2 icon has passed. Past Chief Harold Sadler passed away on August 4th. Harold was beloved by all who knew him. His kind, warm, gentle presence was always appreciated in the firehouse. Up until this point, Harold was the oldest living past chief in RFD#2.
Harold joined RFD#2 in 1955, just as Beverly Hose Company #1 and Edgewood Hose Company #2 were merging. He proudly served his community and worked his way up the ranks until he became the 10th Chief of RFD#2 in 1965. After his tenure as Chief, he continued to serve the community, serving as a driver/pump operator and more notably, fire inspector. He "retired" from RFD#2 in the mid 90's, but always made an appearance around the fire house. Although he was no longer active with RFD#2, he was always known to listen to his scanner and "buff" any major calls in the district.
Harold was a wealth of knowledge. Having lived and been part of the most transformational years in RFD#2's history, Harold knew the rich and deep history of the fire company. The war stories from the days gone by were always incredible. Harold never bragged or was full of himself, he simply shared the stories to those who would listen.
Harold was a mentor to so many. He will be terribly missed by everyone at RFD#2. We will ensure his legacy lives on, and all those who come after him know what an incredible man he was.
Rest in Peace Harold, until next time…
In the early morning of February 6th, 2024, we lost a District 2 icon. We lost a brother, a past chief, a mentor, a leader, a wealth of knowledge, and most importantly, a friend.
It is with profound sadness that we inform you all of the passing of Past Chief and Life Member Louis Schmidt.
Louis was the heart and soul of RFD#2. He was extremely respected and loved by everyone who knew him. His impact on our fire company as well as our community is immeasurable.
He served as the 17th fire chief of Rotterdam District 2 in 1978. Although he only served one “official” year as the chief, Louis was known as the “day chief” in the years that followed his tenure. On scene of any incident, everyone would look to Louis for guidance.
Louis served every position District 2 has. Firefighter, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief, Fire Chief, Accountability Officer, and Safety Officer. He is responsible for being a mentor and inspiration to an entire generation of firefighters who came after him.
To say we will miss him would be an understatement. There will never be another Louis in our lifetime. He was a one of a kind human. It’s hard to put into words what Louis meant to us. Let there be no doubt, RFD#2 will ensure his legacy lives on forever.
Rest in Peace Louis, until next time…
If you would like to show your support for Rotterdam Fire District #2, purchase a supporter t-shirt! Sizes range from youth large to adult XXL. $15 for any size. If you are interested in purchasing, please call the fire house at (518) 355-1341, and leave a message for the Chief!