Council approves changes for Fire Department
RUSSELLVILLE — The city council has approved seven promotions for the Fire Department as part of a reorganization plan and one promotion for the Police Department.
Fire Department changes include Chris Watkins being promoted to captain, and six firefighters were promoted to lieutenants – Justin Shane Mansell, Mickey Gentry, Marcus Hill, Brian Sutton, Bradley Pounders and Grant Tarascou.
Fire Chief Joe Mansell said the promotions restore the department to an earlier structure, making operations more efficient.
He explained the department previously had three lieutenants and six sergeants, but the new setup shifts that balance to six lieutenants. He said the change doesn’t increase staffing.
“We’ve held off on promotions for a while as people retired, so this is about rebuilding structure,” Mansell said. “It’s actually a reduction of three positions overall, but it makes the department more workable.”
He added that helmet colors identify rank on the scene and help firefighters respond safely.
“When we roll up on a structure fire, the color of a helmet tells us who has experience,” Mansell said. “Seeing those red and white helmets among the yellows and blacks means we’ve got seasoned people on scene.”
In the Police Department, David Romans was promoted to sergeant.
In other action councilmembers:
• Opened a public hearing for an alcohol license application from Ken Pir Russellville Inc., doing business as Tigers Beverages, located at 15385 Highway 43. No one spoke for or against the request. Councilmembers voted to approve the retail liquor, lounge retail liquor Class 2 package license.
• Voted to move from Canopy Insurance with Southland to McBride Benefits & Insurance Group for vision and dental coverage. Mayor David Grissom said the new plan offers “a little better coverage.”
• Approved the following board appointments and reappointments: Zoning Board of Adjustment – Scott Adcock, George Coleman Sr., Tony Chard, Chad Wells and Jeff Fretwell; Water and Sewer Board – Joe Graham; Civil Service Board – Scott Adcock; Industrial Development Board – Matt Cooper, Allen Rudy, Greg Trout, Chad Wells and Sergio Ruiz; City Board of Education – Kim Clonts and Greg Trapp; Library Board – Debbie Beeson, Tammy West, Maria Mojica, Lela Ray and Connie Cole; advisory members Katernia Cole Coffey and Cassie Medley; Airport Authority – Bob Grant; Compatibility Review Committee – Chad Wells.
The council’s next regular meeting is set for Nov. 3.
