Queen Creek Fire and Medical Department’s first ladder truck, Ladder 411, will officially go into service Friday, Aug. 14.

From Fire Station No. 1, Ladder 411 will provide enhanced protections for the community and the region through the automatic aid system, according to a release.

To help celebrate the milestone, the community is encouraged to help QCFMD countdown Ladder 411 going into service:

• 3… Aug. 11: Be on the lookout --- the first person who finds Ladder 411 "hiding" in the community and posts a selfie wins bragging rights. No cheating, the ladder has to be fully extended.
• 2… Aug. 12: “Why Wednesday” video with Fire Chief Vance Gray on why Ladder 411 is important for the community.
• 1…. Aug. 13: Get a behind-the-scenes look at Ladder 411 from firefighters Cesar and Jerry with special guests Knox and Cash (sons of firefighter Jason).

On launch day, Aug. 14, tune into the town’s social media to see Ladder 411 officially in service, the release states.

Crews have completed extensive training to operate the new apparatus, which will be essential as Queen Creek welcomes more multistory buildings, including the community’s first hotel, slated to open in late 2020.

“The town is fortunate to have outstanding public safety professionals, and this piece of equipment will help enhance their ability to protect our residents, businesses and visitors,” Queen Creek Mayor Gail Barney said in the release. “As a growing community, with approximately 60,000 residents, it is important that our fire and medical department also expands to continue to meet the needs of our town.”

Ladder 411 is just one element of QCFMD’s strategic growth. Fire Station 4, a new station in the northeast area of town, is nearing completion and permanent replacements for Fire Stations 2 and 5 are anticipated to begin construction by the end of 2020.

Due to COVID-19, there will not be a traditional ceremonial event for Ladder 411. Follow the town on Facebook @qcfire, Twitter @townofqc and Instagram @townofqueencreek to participate in the countdown, beginning Aug. 11.

For additional information about QCFMD, go to queencreek.org/departments/fire-department.