Faith and service shape his daily life

For Russellville Fire Department Sgt. Grant Tarascou, service is more than a career path — it’s a lifelong commitment rooted in faith, family and a deep sense of duty. 

Grant Tarascou’s childhood dream eventually
led him to enlist in the National Guard after
high school, where he served as a signal
officer and rose to the rank of first lieutenant.

 A Franklin County resident since childhood, Tarascou served six years in the Army National Guard and now continues filling the call to serve through his work as a firefighter, and through coordinating training for the Russellville Fire Department.  

From military discipline to firehouse leadership, he embodies the quiet strength of someone who shows up every time. 

 “I always wanted to serve,” Tarascou said. “Even as a kid I was playing soldier with Nerf guns and an Army helmet.” 

 That childhood dream eventually led him to enlist in the National Guard after high school, where he served as a signal officer and rose to the rank of first lieutenant. 

 He was part of tornado recovery efforts after the 2011 storms that devastated communities like Hackleburg and Phil Campbell.  

 “Helping with tornado cleanup — that was when I saw the full impact of disaster,” he said. “It stuck with me.” 

 Tarascou later discovered firefighting through volunteer service in Tharptown, encouraged by someone who recognized his potential. What began as a side effort quickly grew into something more. 

 “I was 18, fresh out of high school, and never really thought about firefighting until someone invited me in,” he said. “After that, I was all in.” 

 Today, Tarascou brings that same sense of purpose to the fire department, where he serves as the lead fire-side training officer. He coordinates drills, ensures the department stays compliant with ISO (Insurance Services Office) standards, and recently completed his Advanced EMT certification. 

 “Being licensed as an advanced EMT means you can do more and give more to your community,” he said. 

Sgt. Grant Tarascou does a shift check
of the Stryker Monitor Life pack 35
cardiac monitor.

 His approach to fire service is deeply influenced by his military experience. 

 “The fire service is paramilitary — there’s a rank structure, and we follow our officers’ orders. That part came naturally from the military,” he said. “The military taught me discipline. The fire service continues that.” 

 But it’s more than routine or rules. For Tarascou, service is a way to live out his values. 

 “This is what I do, but ultimately, I work to the glory of the Lord,” he said. “We try to raise our family based on the Word of God.” 

 Tarascou’s sense of duty doesn’t stop at the station doors. At home, he’s a husband to Kayla and a father to their young children, Wyatt, Claire and Ian. The family lives in Franklin County, where faith and service shape daily life. 

 “We try to raise our family based on the Word of God,” Tarascou said. “Ultimately, I work to honor Him and to honor my superiors.” 

 Kayla, a self-employed bookkeeper, works from home and keeps their household running while Grant is on 24-hour shifts. She describes him as the calm in the storm — steady, grounded and service-minded. 

 “I’m very proud of him. He’s always had a servant’s heart — even since he was little,” she said. “What he is on the job is what he is at home. He’s a good Christian father, a hard worker, and always puts his family first.” 

 Though the job has its challenges, including long hours and middle-of-the-night emergencies, they stay connected.  

 “We always talk before we go to bed,” Kayla said. “Even if he’s on shift. It’s how we carry each other’s burdens.” 

 Tarascou said he tries to take Sundays off, or at least half a day when scheduled, so he can attend church and spend time with his family. When off duty, he finds peace in outdoor projects.  

 “You get on that tractor and bush hog — it’s just kind of peaceful,” he said. 

 Within the fire department, Tarascou is widely respected not just for his skill and leadership, but for the example he sets. Fire Chief Joe Mansell called him a blessing to the department. He’s dependable, humble, and has an unwavering commitment to service, Mansell said.. 

 “He loves serving, he loves helping people — and you can tell that’s how he was raised,” said Mansell. “If I needed him today, even though he’s not working, he’d be here.” 

 Lt. Chris Watkins praised Tarascou’s versatility and work ethic.  

 “He’s the very definition of a firefighter,” Watkins said. “He’s driven. He’s a self-starter. He’s passionate about the job. I wish I had two of him.” 

 Deputy Chief Randy Seal said Tarascou’s initiative stands out.  

“You assign him a task, and he gets it done,” Seal said. “He’s not afraid to take on new responsibilities, and he stays positive about things. He’s one of those guys people respect and enjoy working with.” 

Sgt. Grant Tarascou
and Lt. Chris Watkins

 Younger firefighters Aaron Lynch and Alejandro Wallace also see Tarascou as a role model. 

 “He taught me a lot, especially about taking initiative,” Lynch said. “Watching him lead made me want to get better at teaching and mentoring, too.” 

 Wallace summed it up simply: “He served his country and now he serves our community. It’s an honor just to work by his side.” 

 Lynch added that Tarascou’s leadership is rooted in more than training.  

 “You can definitely see God in him,” he said. “He shines for Christ at work. That’s part of what makes him a good leader.” 

 Even when he’s not on shift, Tarascou continues giving back — from designing shirts for the department’s annual breast cancer fundraiser (something personal for him, as his mother had breast cancer) to participating in the annual holiday toy drive and other types of local outreach through the fire department. 

Sgt. Grant Tarascou, Capt. Jeremy Glenn, Lt. Chris Watkins, Firefighter Alejandro Wallace, Firefighter Landon Beard and RFD Chief Joe Mansell.

 “I try to come up with a design each year that people will like — and that will honor survivors,” he said. 

 His young son, Ian, thinks of his dad as a real-life superhero. 

 “He’s putting out fires,” Ian said proudly. “He takes the ax and knocks the door down and goes inside.” 

 That admiration is something Tarascou doesn’t take lightly.  

 “Now that I have children, I want to instill (in them) that same sense of pride in your country,” he said. “Discipline. Integrity. Faith. That’s what I want to pass down.” 

 And to those thinking about careers in public service, especially veterans, Tarascou has this advice: “Firefighting, like the military, is a calling. It’s not about glory. It’s about being there for people on their worst days and doing the right thing when nobody’s looking.” 

Grant Tarascou visited a local museum off
post while attending his annual National
Guard training in Michigan in 2014.