Rarely is Joe Mansell at a loss for words.
And as the Russellville Fire Department Chief addressed the Russellville City Council Tuesday evening about his decision to retire, Mansell had plenty to say as the 32-year RFD veteran reflected on his career and the people of Russellville who made it special.
“We stand for the flag in this city. We kneel for God in this city. Russellville is the kind of city I wanted my kids to be raised in and it's why I stayed here through my professional career,” Mansell said.
Mansell, who's served as fire chief since 2002, will retire effective February 1, 2025. But he won't fade into the sunset, as the council approved hiring Mansell on a contract basis as a firefighter once his retirement date arrives. Mansell and the city inked a seven-year contract starting March 1, 2025, and expiring February 28, 2032, with an automatic five-year rollover clause unless either party gives advance written notice of its intent not to renew. Mansell will work a minimum of 168 hours per month, or 84 hours per pay period, once the contract period begins.
Additionally, Mansell will take an active role in helping choose his successor, something requested by Russellville Mayor David Grissom and the city council. Regardless of who succeeds him, Mansell believes the next chief will have a tremendous opportunity to succeed.
“I'm at the point in my career where we've got his department where it needs to be, so our next chief should have a clear path to succeed,” Mansell said. “As my career as fire chief comes to an end, I leave with the confidence the department will continue to be led by dedicated, motivated and professional leaders.”
The department's Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating of Class 2 is strong and works to the benefit of those it serves when it comes to insurance costs.
“We are a strong ALS (Advanced Life Support) department. We have equipment many larger departments aren't blessed to have. We've had success with grants, receiving millions in grant funding, and all of this could not have happened without the support of our mayor and council over the years supporting this department,” Mansell said.
“And of course our accomplishments would not have been possible without the commitment, dedication and the hard work of the men at the Russellville Fire Department. We take an oath as firemen we will die to save a life and everyone of these guys raised their hands and meant every word,” he added.
Mansell succeeded Harlon Hutcheson as RFD Chief in 2002, and Hutcheson was among the many people Mansell credited for his professional success.
“Harlon was one of the finest men you could ever work for. If not for his guidance and wisdom, we would not be the department we are today,” Mansell said.
Mansell's many professional accolades include being named Alabama Fire Chief of the Year in 2022.
Grissom, who's been best friends with Mansell since they were in Russellville City Schools together, was emotional as he thanked Mansell for his service to the department and the citizens of Russellville.
“Chief Mansell, we congratulate you on your retirement and we certainly appreciate the job you've done throughout your years with the Russellville Fire Department,” Grissom said.
“And we're pleased you'll be coming back and helping us on a contract basis. We'll be asking you to recommend the next chief and know you'll share your experience and wisdom with whomever is selected,” Grissom added.
