Concerned citizens and Mansfield Fire Department volunteers joined Mayor Buddy Black, the city attorney, and a majority of the Mansfield City Council for a town hall meeting Thursday evening at Mansfield City Hall. The meeting began at 6 p.m. and lasted approximately two hours.
Mayor Black opened the meeting by stating the purpose was to address recent social media posts concerning the Mansfield Fire Department and to allow citizens the opportunity to ask questions and voice concerns. He specifically addressed criticism regarding a responder unit being parked at a first responder’s residence, stating that he had personally granted permission for the arrangement.
Following an opening prayer, Mayor Black outlined the rules for public comment, limiting speakers to two minutes and requiring them to state their name and place of residence.
The first speaker was Hunter Pyles, a current Paris resident and Mansfield native. Pyles said his concerns stemmed from the fact that much of his family and many friends still reside in Mansfield. He posed several questions to city leadership.
The first question referred to the number of active fire fighters. Pyles asked why of 12, that only two were current on their AFTA-certified training. “Why are the minimum state standards of 16 hours of training not being consistently met?”
The second question related to active, AFTA certified trained members and funding. “Why are we filing for state grant money through Act 833 stating that we are meeting standards when we are not?”
Fire Chief Jesse Keeth was not present due to illness but was reached by phone. Keeth stated he was unsure about the certifications and would need to review the records.
Huntington Fire Chief and Nationally Registered EMT Duane Logsdon was present and addressed a correction related to a previously published Resident News article regarding an “ambulance” at a football game.
In the January 7, 2026, article, a quote stated that “Allen questioned why the nearby onsite first-response unit, located across the street, did not respond during the medical emergency on November 28.” Logsdon clarified that the vehicle referenced was an air truck, not a first-response unit. He explained that the air truck is used exclusively to refill SCBA tanks and to provide a warm, dry shelter for injured players, and that it is not equipped or staffed to respond to medical emergencies.
Logsdon also explained that Act 833 funding is not a grant. Pyles responded that there are still requirements tied to the funding. During discussion, Pyles stated the requirement is six firefighters with a minimum of 16 hours of training, while Logsdon said he believed the requirement to be 12 hours.
Adam Hecox addressed the council, expressing concern that neither the mayor nor council members had readily available documentation related to the issues citizens came to hear about. He also raised concerns about city conditions, including odors and what he described as a “dying downtown.”
Bobby Musgrove spoke about his years of service with the volunteer fire department. Steven Moore spoke emotionally about the night his father passed away, describing performing CPR for 27 minutes.
“If my daughter went down on the sidelines and your EMT stayed in the ambulance and didn’t get out to perform chest compressions,” Moore said, “then he does not need to be in that ambulance. EMTs and firefighters — why would you not come help?”
Kevin Jones, a paramedic firefighter, stated the department’s primary issue was not funding, but manpower. “We need volunteers — people willing to complete 30 hours of training per year, and at least 15 hours for EMR,” Jones said.
Jovaughn Ross also directed questions to the fire chief. Pyles later asked Mayor Black whether anything could be done about expired SCBA equipment. Black responded that the city could apply for grants, noting that grant season was approaching.
Mansfield firefighter David Thomas questioned Pyles directly, prompting Pyles to ask Thomas about his own certifications. Thomas said he had completed a water shuttle class and a ropes class. Pyles then questioned whether the city was in violation of his FOIA request if those training certificates had not been provided.
City Attorney Travis Plummer questioned Pyles about his profession and asked whether he was familiar with the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians. Pyles responded affirmatively. Plummer asked, “What is the point of all of this?” Pyles replied, “I just want better training. That is my whole goal. I’m not here to shame anybody. We have a lack of training, but we can do better.”
Councilwoman Julie Thomas encouraged residents to reach out to council members directly, stating that citizens can contact council members, or attend meetings if they have genuine concerns. Firefighter David Thomas later asked for mutual cooperation with Pyles regarding future training efforts, to which Pyles agreed.
Mayor Black addressed concerns regarding photos of a rescue unit parked at a church. He explained that the ambulance had been on a call earlier that evening and that responder John Cochran attended church nearby. “He does not drive the rig to personal places,” Black said.
Ivanna Ross expressed appreciation for the volunteer fire department but criticized the tone of the city’s response to citizen concerns. “When citizens express concerns, it creates apprehension to speak up,” she said. “This was mishandled, but it educated a lot of people.”
Mayor Black stated that housing the rescue unit at a private residence is allowed as long as it remains within city limits and helps shorten response times.
Jeremy Pennington, who lives near Cochran’s residence, raised concerns about the vehicle being stored outdoors, citing potential risks such as theft, damage, and animals. Firefighter David Thomas responded that the time saved is critical. Pennington disputed claims that the unit is always returned to the station when Cochran leaves town.
Cochran addressed the concerns, stating that while he is not on duty 24/7, he carries his response gear with him at all times and often responds using his personal vehicle and fuel. “The year before, I spent over $2,000 of my own money on gas responding to calls,” Cochran said.
Billy Coplin, Cochran’s neighbor, stated that the rescue unit is monitored by multiple cameras. Dylan Thomas spoke in defense of the department, encouraging citizens to assist through volunteering or donations and expressing support for the fire chief’s efforts to implement changes.
Before adjourning the meeting, Mayor Black praised Cochran’s dedication, stating that the department responded to 333 medical calls last year and that Cochran missed very few.
Dana Adkins, wife of Northwest Scott Fire Chief Donnie Adkins, spoke about the strong relationship and mutual aid between departments. Danielle Woodard, Hartford city recorder and Mansfield firefighter, addressed questions regarding fire dues.
With no further comments or questions, the town hall meeting was adjourned.
