On June 29, 1998, Engine Companies 18, 61, 252, 270, and 288 were disbanded and were organized as Squad Companies assigned to the Special Operations Command. The Squads are equipped with Ladder Company tools and are trained and equipped to operate either as a Ladder Company or Engine Company. 

In addition, the Squads were primarily formed to deal with Hazardous Material Incidents in the City of New York. In addition to responding to all working fires in their areas, the Squads are also special called to respond to major incidents and emergencies and are trained by the NYFD Technical Rescue School.

Squad 288 is located in Maspeth Queens and shares a Firehouse with Hazmat Company 1.