Russellville Fire Chief Joe Mansell honors several of his firefighters and fire marshal Justin Green for bravery on duty with the Russellville Fire Department.

“It’s not hard to be chief of the department when you have such great guys.”

Fire Chief Joe Mansell took the opportunity to publicly recognize and thank several Russellville Fire Department firefighters during the Sept. 6 city council meeting for the dedication they have shown in serving and protecting the community.

Mansell said he particularly wanted to show appreciation to these firefighters in front of the council and mayor, in a very visible way, to ensure the council is aware of the unwavering commitment to duty his firefighters exhibit. Even though “they don’t want a pat on the back” Mansell said he is proud of the challenges his men have faced.

“We always just assume – this is their job; this is what they are supposed to do,” Mansell said, highlighting how firefighters aren’t always thanked or recognized for doing a job that is inherently dangerous. He pointed out, “Fire burns the same in Russellville as it does in New York.”

Firefighters recognized were Marcus Hill, Kenny Davis, Brad Pounders, Brian Sutton and fire marshal Justin Green.