For years she sat and waited. Storms nipped at her flanks, rust gnawed at her fittings, and Father Time took his slow toll, and still she patiently forbore all that the world could throw her way. But now, Engine 605 is going home.
Originally commissioned in the 1940’s to the Franklin Fire Department, 605 was state-of-the-art when she was new. With her sleek and clean lines and shiny chrome sparkling like the sun, she raced through Franklin helping save lives by putting the water where the firefighters needed it.
Time marched on, though, and over the years she became less useful and newer designs came online. She was sold to the Kodak Northview Fire Department in 1974, but she had issues with her plumbing, and from there she went to Dupont, where she was never used at an actual fire. The slow decline was on.
Like many stories of this nature, a hero stepped in to make things right. J. B. Johnson, retired chief of the Seymour Volunteer Fire Department, found Ol’ 605 one day nine years ago, and was determined to rescue her from her fate. He purchased her outright from Dupont, then kept her until the time was just right to send her home.
That time came due on Thursday, June 19.
Johnson had contacted the Franklin Fire Department and informed them that he had Ol’ 605, and asked if they’d like to have her back to refurbish. After Don Claiborne, Chief of the Franklin fire Department had an opportunity to arrange the funding, the stage was set for her to finally reach home once again.
Thursday morning, Don and J.B. met to load 605 up to piggyback her way to Franklin.
“We’re tickled to death at the opportunity,” Don told The Herald. “Most communities that lose their old trucks never see them again.”
When she’s refinished, Ol’ 605 will be used in parades, public appearances, and for education. She’s a bit of Franklin history tied up in steel and chrome, and will call her native city home once again.
J. B. was both happy and sad to see her go. After owning her for almost a decade, he’s gotten used to having her around.
“I’m going to miss her,” he said.

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