The 890 rural residents of the city of Rushville are currently served by a 1974 pumper truck that was refurbished in 1994. The vehicle lacks 4x4 wheel drive which is critical during poor weather conditions.  Also, the truck can't pump and roll simultaneously, and does not have four full size doors, endangering the security of firefighters not inside while en-route.  

USDA Rural Development assisted with a $50,000 Community Facilities Disaster Grant to purchase a 2020 Freightliner Fire Pumper Truck that is fully functional.  

"This truck will not only serve Rushville but all of Sheridan County for mutual aid assistance. We hope to have this truck in service for the next 30 to 35 years. Big thanks to Sara Pierce from the USDA for assisting us with the project," said Mayor for Rushville Chris Heiser.

Rushville's new 4x4 pumper truck is pumping and rolling at the same time, increasing water storage capacity to 2,500 gallons. The truck features four full size doors for firefighters to ride inside the vehicle to and from fires for rapid entry and egress.