MANSFIELD — Phil Dollish had the backs of his fellow Mansfield firefighters for 33 years.
On Tuesday night, they had his.
City Council chambers were almost filled by firefighters who came in to support and honor the 57-year-old Dollish, who officially retired May 3.
Local lawmakers unanimously approved a proclamation honoring Dollish, who joined the department in 1992 and whose career included serving as the IAFF Local 266 president during difficult financial times in the city.
“I appreciated working for the city for so many years,” Dollish said after council Clerk Delaine Weiner read the proclamation. “I grew up in the city … love the city. But I miss working. I enjoyed working with council.
“I hope that (council) continues to keep working well with the union in good faith and that everybody has a great rest of their lives. It’s a great job,” he said.
In the proclamation, Dollish was cited for his work as the IAFF leader when the city entered state-mandated fiscal emergency, a process that included the layoff of 20 firefighters in 2009.
“(Dollish) personally maintained contact with every member affected, ensuring they remained connected and supported,” the proclamation said.
His work as a firefighter, which included “Firefighter of the Year” honors in 2017 as well as the Legion of Merit and a Purple Heart, was praised by Chief Dan Crow on Tuesday night.
“We all know that Phil is just tough as nails and it’s not a front either … like down to his core, he’s tough as nails and he can be abrasive,” the chief said.
“He’s brutally honest and direct, but in my 20 years I have not worked with anyone who is more generous and just exemplifies a servant leader, someone who just gives to our community more than he takes,” Crow said.
“On countless occasions, we’ve all seen it when you’re on a call where someone’s in their most desperate situation, Phil is the first one in there, to just give them whatever support they need. It’s been something that I’ve modeled myself after and I learned from a young age (from Dollish).
“I just want to thank you, Phil, for all the things that you’ve done for me personally, and I wish you nothing but the best success in your retirement,” Crow said.
All lawmakers took an opportunity to also praise Dollish, a 1987 Mansfield Senior High School graduate, whose career with the city almost came in law enforcement.
He took entrance exams for both departments and began his firefighting career at age 25 after working in the Mansfield police auxiliary.
“Just look behind you and you can tell that the influence you brought into the fire department and what you have done for 33 years. Everybody’s running away from danger, you’re running into it in all these years,” 3rd Ward Councilman Rev. El Akuchie said.
“What an incredible sacrifice and I just want say thank you and pray that you will have a wonderful retirement and enjoy your free time,” he said.
Second Ward Councilwoman Cheryl Meier also pointed to the large group of firefighters in attendance.
“When you retired back in early May, I read all of the comments and things from that were other members of the fire department and the community on the IAFF (Facebook) page,” Meier said.
“It’s evident by all of the men and women who showed up this evening that your absence is really going be felt in the department, but best wishes on your retirement.”
Sixth Ward Councilwoman Deborah Mount, a township firefighter and paramedic in Richland County, said Dollish was an inspiration.
“I didn’t expect when I met you 16 years ago that someday I would follow the footsteps and become a firefighter, also. So you’ve inspired a lot of people. It was always evident you had the backs of your fellow firefighters,” she said.
“You definitely stood up for them, fought for them, and you did a solid job,” Mount said.
First Ward Councilwoman Laura Burns said she hopes the retired firefighter’s family has more time with him now.
“In all the years that I’ve come to retirement events and, and seeing people through this stage in their life, I think this is probably the most people I’ve ever seen turn out for someone,” Burns said.
“We have all said it, but it speaks volumes to who you are as a human being and that’s pretty great. Thank you for always being there for the city and for your team,” she said.
Council President Phil Scott, who has the longest tenure among local lawmakers, told Dollish it’s been a pleasure to know him for many years.
“I do wish you a very happy retirement. I usually say that I also congratulate the family and wish the family well. Every time you go on shift, you’re away from the family, so I hope now you’re able to spend a lot of good time with your family,” Scott said.
“In all my time on City Council, I think this is the most (fire department) co-workers that have shown up at somebody’s retirement. I think that says a lot about you, too … Good luck my friend.”