06/02/2026
Last night, we said goodbye to our former Tanker 403 as it began the next chapter of its story with a new owner.
Tanker 403 started life as a road tractor before being transformed into a fire apparatus through the dedication, ingenuity, and hard work of Richland Township firefighters. After serving as a farm semi, the frame was stretched and the body was built locally, creating a tanker that would faithfully serve our community for more than three decades.
The truck also carried a unique piece of local history. Its tank was the first stainless-steel fire tank manufactured by Stafco in Columbia City, Indiana. Tanker 403 responded to countless emergencies throughout Richland Township and surrounding communities, providing the dependable water supply that is critical in our rural response district.
More than just a fire truck, Tanker 403 represented the resourcefulness and commitment of the members who built and maintained it throughout its service life. The dedication of those firefighters helped shape the department we are today.
We thank all past and present members who played a role in Tanker 403’s history and service. While it is never easy to see a longtime apparatus leave the fleet, we are excited for the future. Tanker 403 has been replaced by a new-to-us pumper-tanker that will continue serving our community for years to come, and we look forward to sharing more information about it in the near future.
Thank you, Tanker 403, for 3 decades of faithful service.