Donning plastic fireman helmets, hoisting handmade signs, and waving pom-poms, scores of students at West Elementary School huddled beside one of the Russellville Fire Department fire engines parked in the school lot Thursday morning. Nearing the end of the school’s Fire Safety Week, the young pupils anticipated the arrival of one man who has spent decades participating in educational events like the one taking place at WES, Russellville Fire Department Chief Joe Mansell, who is set to retire as fire chief early next year.
When Mansell did arrive a few minutes later, he was greeted with hoorahs and applause from the students, faculty, and staff at West, as well as Russellville City Schools administrators and other members of the community and the media, who came to witness the school’s fire safety and prevention program and celebration of the longtime RFD boss.
Speaking first to the crowd assembled semi-circle around the red engine was RCS Assistant Superintendent Chris James, who read and presented Mansell with a letter of thanks from West Elementary’s students, faculty, and staff.
“On behalf of all the students, faculty, and staff at West Elementary, we want to extend our deepest gratitude for your years of service, dedication, and bravery,” the letter began. “Your leadership has been an inspiration to our community, and your commitment to keeping us safe is something we will never forget.
“Throughout the years, you’ve not only protected our families but have also taught us valuable lessons about fire safety and responsibility. Fire Safety Week has always been a special time for us, and your presence and guidance have made it all the more meaningful,” the letter continued. “You’ve shown us that being a hero isn’t just about wearing a uniform, but about caring for others and leading with kindness and courage.”
The letter concluded: “Thank you, Chief Mansell, for being our hero. We wish you all the best in your well-deserved retirement.”
Speaking next was Russellville Mayor David Grissom, who presented Mansell with a plaque acknowledging his service and dedication to educating students about fire safety and prevention.
Then, finally, it was Mansell’s turn to speak. Not expecting the welcome he received at the school—the chief said he was actually putting fish in his pond before he came into town—Mansell thanked the students, school officials, the community, and his fellow firefighters.
“I wasn’t expecting it. I guess that may be why I don’t really have the words because I wasn’t expecting this,” Mansell told the Franklin Free Press. “It’s great knowing that I meant something for the fire prevention program and for the fire department for them to come up here and give me this kind of sendoff.
“I’ve always had great guys, you know, and I couldn’t have done anything if I didn’t have the department that I’ve had,” he added. “I’ve had great men to work with, a great administration that, when we tell them we need something, they’re always there to support us. I’ve been blessed to be able to work for the City of Russellville.”
Mansell, hanging up his fire helmet full time after 32 years of service and over 20 as RFD’s chief, said being involved in Fire Safety Week, educating young students, and seeing the positive outcomes has been one of his favorite parts of the job during his three decades with the department.
“We’ve had success stories, seen success stories from this program that we do,” he said. “We actually do it throughout the entire county, and just being able to see the success of what we’re able to do means more than anything. Knowing that one child learned something and before something tragic happened.
“These kids love it. They love coming, seeing Sparky (the firehouse dog mascot), and we try to make it fun. We try to make it interesting and keep their attention, but at the end of the day we want them to learn a few things and know what to do in case of a house fire,” Mansell added. “Out of all the years doing this, being able to see success come out of it…anytime we can save one life, that means everything. So, I guess that’s the biggest thing: just actually witnessing that what we’ve done here works.”
Throughout the week, students learn ways to prevent fires, precautions they should take before a fire breaks out, and what to do if it ever happens. In a more interactive approach, RFD puts students through their kid’s safety house, a mobile trailer that safely simulates some conditions during a house fire, allowing students to practice what to do in a burning home.
“It’s so important that these children understand fire safety, whether it be at home or at school or in the community,” West Elementary assistant principal Suzanne Glass said. “Our firemen instill such a great lesson about fire safety with the smoke house. It’s wonderful.
“It’s hands-on…they can touch and feel and actually go through a house that could possibly be on fire so they know what to do.”
Glass said the lessons have a greater impact coming from Russellville’s firefighters, who serve as role models and participate in school events throughout the year:
“They are huge partners with our school system. Fire Safety Week is always one, but they are always here for our Grandparents’ Day celebrations, even Thanksgiving lunches, sitting in as grandparents or parents for those children that may not have them or don’t live close by.”
Giving back to students and making an impact on the community, Mansell said, is what the job of firefighter and fire chief is all about. Even though he is retiring from full-time work in February 2025, Mansell said he doesn’t see the move as stepping away but instead as “passing the torch” to someone else so they can enjoy the blessings he’s had.
The faithful public servant said he’ll still be around the department to help out and you might see him at Fire Safety Week in the years to come.
“I love Russellville. I’m not going anywhere, and I’m still going to be here,” he said. “I’m still going to work part-time for the fire department, just not as the chief. God blessed me 22 and a half years ago to be the fire chief and that’s been one of the biggest blessings outside of marriage and having kids. It’s meant so much to me to be chief, and all I’ve ever wanted to do was be able to give back to the community.
“The fire prevention program here is great. You know, I actually got to see my kids go through it, which means a lot to be able to watch your kids go through it,” he added. “I was actually hoping to be able to see my grandchild go through it, but maybe I can come up here as a retiree and watch.”
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