Mansell rescinds retirement request
RUSSELLVILLE — Fire Chief Joe Mansell will remain at the helm of the Russellville Fire Department.
Mansell, who has led the department since 2002, was set to retire Sept. 30. The council previously appointed Deputy Chief Randy Seal as his successor.
In a special called meeting of the city council Sept. 23, the Russellville City Council called an executive session, not to exceed an hour, to discuss matters pertaining to the fire department.
When the council came back to the public meeting, City attorney Danny McDowell said the executive session meeting was held to discuss the good name and character of individuals in the fire department and that no votes were cast or action taken.
Mayor David Grissom asked if there was any motion pertaining to the Fire Department.
Councilman Darren Woodruff made a motion to accept a request by Mansell to rescind his resignation as fire chief. In the motion, Woodruff also requested rescinding the previous appointment of Randy Seal as fire chief “due to no vacancy.”
Councilman Jamie Harris seconded, and the motion passed.
Mansell said the decision to stay came after discussions with Seal and other members of the department.
“I was asked if I’d be interested in staying on, and after talking with Randy, we both felt like it was probably best for the department to keep things moving forward,” Mansell said.
Seal said he supported the choice.
“I’m 100% behind the decision that Chief Mansell and myself came to,” Seal said. “I believe it was best for the department going forward.”
Mansell emphasized the Fire Department is bigger than any one person.
“I just happen to be the chief, but we’ve got a great department and a great bunch of men who love serving the citizens of Russellville,” he said. “It takes all of us, full-time and volunteer, working together.”
He said he has seen firsthand the dedication of Russellville firefighters throughout his 33-year career.
“I’ve had the privilege to go throughout Alabama and visit other departments, and we’ve got some of the best firemen anywhere,” Mansell said. “It’s always been a privilege to serve this community.”
The chief said the nature of the job means firefighters often meet people on their worst days.
“You don’t do it for the paycheck,” Mansell said. “If you come into this for the money, you’ve come into it for the wrong thing. You do it because you want to help people, and that’s what these guys do. They’ve got a serving heart.”
Mansell said the weight of the work stays with firefighters long after the calls are over.
“You don’t just go home and forget it. I can still think back to the first call I ran in 1992,” he said. “Our thoughts when we respond are always about trying to change the outcome to a positive one.”
For Mansell, continuing to serve is about more than leadership — it is about community.
“Russellville is my home. I’m not leaving. I love this community and the people in it.”
Mansell began as a volunteer firefighter in Russellville before becoming a paid firefighter in 1992. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1998 and to chief in 2002.
He said the department will continue to focus on serving the public and preparing for the future.
“We’re just going to keep moving things forward, staying up to date on the new things that can help us respond better for our citizens,” Mansell said.
