It’s always bittersweet to see an old friend drive away. For Malvern Fire Company, the departure of Tanker 4—a 1996 Spartan/Ferrara—marks both the close of a long chapter and the beginning of a new one.

After nearly three decades of faithful service protecting the residents and businesses of Malvern Borough, Willistown Township, and the surrounding communities, Tanker 4 has been sold and is beginning a cross-country journey to her new home with the Central Bell Fire Department in Texas.

There’s comfort in knowing she will continue to serve. We’re confident the Central Bell crew will treat her well—she’s still got plenty of life left, and we wish them nothing but the best.

The sale was finalized today, and with a final salute, Tanker 4 rolled out of the bay one last time, bound for the Lone Star State. Though our station may feel a little emptier, her legacy of service endures, now linking a small town in Pennsylvania to a new family of firefighters in Texas.

To our brothers and sisters at Central Bell Fire Department: may Tanker 4 bring you safety, strength, and many more years of service.