RFD chief commends volunteer at council meeting
Russellville Fire Department Chief Joe Mansell presents volunteer firefighter Ken Shannon with a black helmet that signifies his knowledge and skill in firefighting.
In a cut and dried meeting Monday, two recognitions were made to praise and congratulate a few deserving Russellville citizens.
Russellville Fire Chief Joe Mansell took the opportunity to recognize one of the city’s bravest in volunteer firefighter Ken Shannon.
“It’s been an honor and privilege to know Ken and be able to work with him,” Mansell said. Shannon, Mansell said, has completed a 160, an extensive firefighter training course, and has gone so far as to achieve Firefighter 2. With that in consideration, Mansell presented Shannon with a black helmet at Monday’s city council meeting.
The color of a firefighter’s helmet, Mansell explained, isn’t arbitrary.
“When I pull up on a fire scene, I look at the helmets, and the different colored helmets let me know what each firefighter needs to be doing,” Mansell said. “A black helmet means you have training – you’re trained and ready to go.” The black helmet replaces Shannon’s yellow helmet.
Shannon thanked the chief and the city council for the recognition and for the opportunity to serve. He also credited his wife for her support.
The city council approves a resolution honoring Russellville High School tennis doubles state champs Jake Williams and Levi Hargett.
The council approved a resolution commending the 2016 Russellville High School Tennis State Championship doubles team of Jake Williams and Levi Hargett.
The council also approved:
- Resolution retaining Joe Jolly & Co. as the city’s investment banking firm.
- Contract with NACOLG/Area Agency on Aging for Senior Center operations.
- Annual contract with the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce.
- Upgrade proposal for administration software.
- Russellville Municipal Airport Hangar Lease Agreement.
- Assistance to Firefighters Grant.
- Fall Sports Contract.
- Claim submitted by Tim Williams.
- Request from United Way of Northwest Alabama to waive the rental fee of the A.W. Todd Centre Oct. 27, 2016.
The Rev. Charles Dale spoke before the council to request the city apply for certain grants available for projects for notable sites of African American contribution.
