The Abingdon Fire Company has recently placed in-service a new 2000 Pierce Dash custom 105' Aerial Ladder. The unit is designated as Truck 431 and is the first due aerial piece form Harford County Company 4, House #1. The custom Dash chassis features a 10 inch raised roof over the crew area with seating for six firefighters in custom kevlar woven SCBA seats. Other interior features include a FireCom 3025 intercom system for all seats, air conditioning in the full cab and ergonomically designed control consoles for both driver and officer.

Truck 431 is equipped with a 2000 GPM, Hale QMAX pump with a 500 gallon poly tank. Intake and large diameter discharges are electrically controlled for operator safety. Power is supplied by a Detroit Diesel Series 60 Engine with 500-HP, coupled with an Allison World-Class 5-speed automatic transmission. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) and a three-stage transmission retarder have been integrated for additional safety.

Additional features include an AMPS 15kW hydraulic generator, for telescoping 1000W Floodlights, and a full compliment of Federal and Whelen emergency lighting. Truck 431 is equipped with the Pierce "All Steer" system, which allows the rear wheels to perform as steerable axles. This system allows greater access into restricted access streets and courts in the district. It also allows for increased agility and maneuverability comparable to, and perhaps better than that of a traditional pumper. The aerial ladder is a Pierce 105-foot heavy-duty ladder, capable of a tip capacity of 500 pounds, while flowing 1000 GMP at any angle or elevation.

The prepiped waterway is also equipped for elevated standpipe operations, and features electric and remote lighting at the tip. Truck 431 also carries over 180 feet of ground ladders, as well as various forcible entry, rescue, and specialized tools. The unit carries two 1 ¾" preconnected hoselines, one 1 ¾" preconnected trash line, and a unique apartment/warehouse line featuring 3" supply line with a gated wye designed for quick crosslay deployment. Truck 431 replaces a 1975 Seagrave/LTI 85 foot tower ladder.

The Abingdon Fire Co. covers 57 square miles in its first due district, 41 miles on land and 16 miles on water. House 1 is equipped with two pumpers, an aerial piece, a heavy rescue, a brush unit, two medic units and a rescue boat. A second station located strategically within the district houses two additional engines and an additional medic unit. The Abingdon Fire Co. responds to more than 1500 fire & rescue calls and more than 2000 ambulance calls each year.