Six Mansfield firefighters promoted to captain or lieutenant

Six Mansfield firefighters were promoted Friday morning at City Council Chambers in a proud moment for the many families who packed the room.

Mansfield Safety-Service Director Keith Porch performed the promotional ceremony, and then everyone celebrated with hugs, photographs and cake.

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Promoted to captain were Bradley Burwell, Charles Swank and Todd Toussant. Promoted to lieutenant were Donald Adams, Michael Blair and Christopher Ransom.

Adams, of Akron, said he has worked 19 years with the Mansfield Fire Department.

"I'm getting promoted to lieutenant and I've got a lot to learn and looking forward to learn from my seniorofficers," Adams said.

Blair, promoted from firefighter/paramedic, said he has 12 years' service with the Mansfield Fire Department. He said he is looking forward to this opportunity to serve the citizens of this city.

Swank has more than nine years with the department.

"It's a great place to work, a great community to work for," Swank said. "We're all obviously all very proud of serving our citizens and here and I hope to continue to do that in my new position."

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Burwell, a new captain, has worked at the fire department for 17½ years.

"I need to thank my wife for putting up with me during the study process. I was unbearable, I'm sure," he said. "So a big shout-out to her."

Toussant, a new captain, joined the fire department in November 2014. "I'm looking forward to the opportunity to lead," he said.

Ransom, of Lexington, said he has been on the department for 11 years and enjoys helping people. His father, Keith Ransom, who was chief at the fire department several years ago, came to the ceremony to congratulate his son.

Working in fire prevention doing inspections the last few years, he said he is looking forward to being back in line.

Mansfield Mayor Jodie Perry was among the city leaders who came to support the firefighters.

She said it was awesome to see so many family members and young kids in the room.

"It's just a great showing of life here in the future of the department," she said.

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This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Six Mansfield firefighters promoted to captain or lieutenant