The New Oxford and Abbottstown Fire Companies are proud to announce the formation of United Hook & Ladder Company #33. Over the past 85 years the members of New Oxford and Abbottstown have been working together at emergency incidents, public appearences, and training. The merging of the two departments was proposed and approved by the members of both departments as the best logic step in the evolution of the two departments.

It is with great pride that we present the United Hook & Ladder Company #33. Many of our members' families have deep roots within these two fire departments, spanning back 100 years or more. We know that those before us would be proud of what we have accomplished for the saftey and protection of the communities they started.

The merging of the two departments is truly about efficiency. The combined department allows a larger number of human resources to be available to the department and the purchasing of all items as one entity saves a considerable amount of money for the taxpayers.

While the Emergency Medical Services operated by United Hook & Ladder does maintain career personnel, the fire operations still remain fully staffed by dedicated volunteers. We are proud to provide the cost-efficient service to the community.

Over the next year you may see changes in the names and colors of the fire trucks, but rest assured that we are still the men and women that have been there for the community before. We are your neighbors and your friends. In the past few years the number of volunteers has declined significantly. Should you be interested in volunteering, please contact us. Whether you have interest in fighting fire or not doesn't matter. We are always in need of help for fundraising, event planning, finicially as well as our Fire and EMS operations. We have many members that have never set foot on a firetruck and we are truly grateful for their dedication to the business side of the department and assuring its well-being.