Tower 43 is scheduled to be delivered in the middle on October, 2003. It will be assigned to the Mitchellville Station, in South Bowie. The truck is being reconstructed by Interstate Truck Equipment, of Hagerstown, Maryland

Tower 43 is a complete rebuild of a retired 1991 FDNY CF Mack tower ladder.  The existing 95-foot "Aerialscope" aerial boom and compartment body was removed, reconditioned, repainted and reinstalled on the original chassis.  Additionally, other improvements include the installation of a new CF Mack 5 person enclosed cab, a reconditioned and upgraded 400 horsepower engine with Jacob's engine brake, new wiring and a complete electrical overhaul.  Also, a new 15 KVA hydraulic pump driven Harrison electric generator has be added.  When completed, Tower 43 will be a reconditioned 1991 CF Mack with a certified 2003 boom with many upgrades to meet today's needs.

The BVFD cost for this apparatus expansion project was funded primarily by donations from the citizens of Bowie and contributions from commercial community members who support and advocate continuous improvements to the fire and emergency medical services.

(Tower 43 construction in progress - click to enlarge photos)

(Tower 43 as completed - click to enlarge photos)

The original Tower Ladder purchased by the Bowie VFD was FDNY Tower Ladder 33 and 107. Ladder Company 33 is based in the New York City Borouch of the Bronx with Engine 75 and Ladder Company 107 is based in the New York City Borough of Brooklyn along with Engine 225. (More pictures from TL 107 to come.)


(Replacement FDNY Tower 107 and its current station - click to enlarge photos)