Danals, Cochran honored for decades of service with city fire department
Two Mansfield firefighters with a combined 64 years of experience received plaudits for their retirement.
Capt. Brian Danals and Andre Cochran were recognized by Mansfield City Council at its Tuesday meeting.
Danals was hired in 1989 with a class of 16 others. He was the final member of that class to retire. Chief Steve Strickling said Danals was the department leader in seniority.
"It's been a joy, my career here," Danals told council. "I'm a little sad about going, but I'm excited about what's to come."
Danals was promoted to captain after only four years with the department. He spent the majority of his career at Station No. 2 on Brookwood Way. Danals was assigned to look after the department's small engines.
He received numerous awards during his career. Danals was issued letters of commendation for his actions involving car crashes in 2007 and 2013. He received another letter of commendation for his deployment with FEMA following Hurricane Katrina, along with one for his actions during the second Tridico fire in 2013.
In addition, Danals earned a Legion of Merit for life-saving efforts at a fire in 2004. He was the department's Firefighter of the Year in 2006.
Strickling described Danals as a "go-to guy" who was instrumental in many areas.
"We're going to miss him a lot," the chief said.
Cochran known for work in fire prevention bureau
Cochran served the city for 30 years, with a hire date of Jan. 25, 1993. He is best known for his time in the fire prevention bureau.
Cochran was a trained fire investigator and a certified fire inspector. He participated in many fire investigations and helped prepare arson cases for trial.
In 2021, Cochran received a letter of commendation for his actions at a house fire on Arthur Avenue in which five people were rescued.
He was well-known in the community for his work with Safety Town and various businesses. Cochran conducted fire extinguisher training for many companies during his tenure.
"The impact he's had with the business relationships can't be overemphasized," Strickling said.
Councilwoman Stephanie Zader recognized Cochran for staying in his native Mansfield to serve his community.
"You showed you can stay here. You can make a career here," she said.
Councilmen Alomar Davenport and Aurelio Diaz said Cochran, as a Black man, provided a positive example for younger minorities in Mansfield.
"That's very empowering," Diaz said.
Councilwoman Kimberly Moton recalled Cochran coming to her grandmother's house to check her smoke detectors.
"That gave her heart joy," Moton said.
Legislation to regulate food trucks pulled from agenda
Council members were expected to give a first reading to a bill to regulate food trucks, but it was pulled.
"There will be further discussion about when it will be submitted," Zader said.
Deputy Law Director Chris Brown previously broached the topic.
"There is literally nothing on the books," he said.
Brown, who was not at Tuesday's meeting, asked members to consider licensing enforcement and penalties.
"We have no way to hold people accountable," he said.
David Kirst, owner of the Chicken Box, addressed council. He said he was speaking on behalf of two other food truck vendors.
Kirst complained about $480 in proposed licensing fees.
"It's just unjust," he said. "This would decimate us."
Kirst said having to get a proposed fire suppression system could cost an additional $6,000 to $10,000.
"We provide jobs," he said. "We're as American as apple pie and lemonade stands."
Kirst added the food truck vendors provide a needed service.
"We are the smallest of small businesses, but there's many of us and we're out there every day," he said.
He thanked council for pulling the legislation.
People who do not mow property will face stiffer penalty
Council did pass a bill to increase fees for failure to comply with a mowing order. If city employees have to do the mowing, those not in compliance will be charged $250 for the first hour and $50 for each additional hour.
The previous fee was $100.
Adrian Ackerman, director of the community development and housing department, said there have been 412 mowing violations in the city since April.
"Hopefully, it's enough to be a deterrent," she said.
Zader asked if the penalty would be enough to cover costs for the city.
"It's a starting point," Ackerman said.
Law Director John Spon asked if the property owner or occupant would be responsible. Ackerman replied it would be the owner.
Council creates two new positions in engineering
Council also created two new positions in the engineering department and retitled a position in the information technology department.
Sharon May, human resources director, told council the new positions would not be a burden on the budget. She said the city would use funds for unfilled positions.
The new positions in engineering will be a utility development coordinator, to be paid between $60,000 and $90,000, and a senior project planner, to be paid between $45,000 and $70,000.
The IT department will hire a chief technology officer to replace James Weiner, whose title was director. He has taken another job.
May said the updated title will align with the job description.
In other business
In other business, council:
Reappointed Jennifer Pennell and Braxton Daniels III to the Mansfield Public Arts Commission.
Transferred $26,100 within the safety services fund to train three new police officers at the state academy.
Accepted a grant for $44,396.93 to be used for a portion of the cost of a family violence liaison officer.
Accepted a grant for $49,200 from the Richland County Foundation for improvements at Deer Park.
Accepted $137,013.70 in funding from the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services for operations of the METRICH Enforcement Unit.
Authorized a prepayment of $63,815 to United Drilling Inc. for emergency repairs to the service elevator at the water treatment plant.
Accepted a grant to enter into a project with the Ohio Department of Transportation for the funding and design of a trail from Trimble Road to Marion Avenue, on the south side of Millsboro Road. City Engineer Bob Bianchi said it was another initiative to connect downtown to the Richland B&O Bike Trail. The scheduled completion date is the summer of 2025.
mcaudill@gannett.com
419-521-7219
Twitter: @MarkCau32059251
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Mansfield City Council honors pair of retiring firefighters
