The Durham Fire Department formed the Tactical Rescue Team in 1996. The Team was started to supplement Rescue Co. 1. Its purpose was to respond to specialized Rescue calls. Members of the Department were interviewed in a review board setting. The team members were chosen and the Tactical Rescue Team was put in service 1/1/96 at Engine Co.5.

In addition the Department refurbished a reserve engine into a Rescue unit. In 2000 the team moved to Station 7 in North Durham. In May of 2000 Rescue Co. 1 was disbanded after 40 years of service. This left Engine Co. 7 as the Tactical Rescue Team. Engine 7 is a 75 ft Sutphan Quint that responds as an Engine Co.

This unit carries the Hurst system, Ventilation, Concrete, and Metal cutting saws, High Pressure airbags, High Level/Low Angle Rescue equipment, Water Rescue equipment, Long boards, and a Stokes Basket for patient transport and Fire/EMS equipment.

The Rescue Unit carries Rescue equipment for Collapse/Trench Rescue. Tools such as a cutting torch, Paratech Air Shores as well as Screw and Bottle Jacks. You will also find the Stanley System with a Chain Saw and Pavement Breaker, Circular Saw and accessories, Rope Rescue equipment Ramset/Hilti-gun, A Hammer Drill, Hilti Impact Drill, Sawzalls, Electric Generator, Air Nailer, There are also many hand tools. Lumber and cribbing for shoring.

Durham's four Ladder Companies are trained in tactical rescue and respond with the TRT Team. All Ladders along with Engine 13 also carries Hurst tools and have a 1st due response area for extrication.