MANSFIELD — Sterling Compton toddled around Mansfield City Council chambers, prompting smiles and laughter from his family, city officials and half a dozen firefighters.
The 21-month-old’s navy blue shirt bore the words “MANSFIELD FIRE” on the front and “LT. COMPTON” on the back.
If family history is any indicator, the moniker could be his one day.
But for now, it’s his father who will bear the title — and the responsibilities — of a fire lieutenant.
Adam Compton was officially sworn in as a Mansfield Fire Department lieutenant during a brief ceremony Friday morning.
A 29-year-old Lexington High School graduate, Compton’s career in fire service began in 2016 as a volunteer with the Washington Township Fire Department. He worked briefly for the Springfield Township Fire Department before joining the MFD in 2018.
Lt. Compton serves alongside his father, Capt. David Compton, who has been a member of the Mansfield Fire Department since August 1996.
“I grew up coming to (my dad’s) work here in Mansfield, so it’s a place I’ve always wanted to work and I’m pretty proud to be here and carry on the legacy,” the lieutenant said.
Safety Service Director Keith Porch said lieutenants like Compton play a crucial role in guiding younger firefighters and shaping the future of the department.
In the Mansfield Fire Department, the rank of lieutenant serves as the first level of supervision at a fire and within the station. Lieutenants lead a crew of four firefighters, ensure daily readiness, coordinate training and serve as company officers on emergency scenes — making critical decisions while prioritizing crew safety and effective operations, according to a post on the department’s Facebook page.
“The promotion lieutenant, in my opinion, is the most important in our entire rank structure,” MFD Chief Dan Crow said.
“Adam has done a lot since he joined the department in 2018 to prepare himself for this moment,” he added.
“Even since he’s been on the promotion list, he’s gone out and sought training and done everything he could to make sure that when this day comes and and he puts his hand up, he’s ready to take that next step.”
Compton hopes to pay it forward in new leadership role
Lt. Compton’s uncle serves as the chief of the Troy Township Fire Department. His mother also has a history in a fire service.
“I started out in fire service too, along with Dave on the volunteer department,” Missy Compton said. “I was a volunteer firefighter and a paramedic. I still hold my cards for Washington Township.”
The lieutenant’s mother said it was evident from early on that her son had a passion for fire service.
“I remember when (Adam) was five years old, sitting in the fire truck and learning all of the parts and pieces,” she said. “He definitely knew how to run a truck from a very young age, because he was so interested in all the intricacies of the fire department.”
Compton’s promotion comes on the heels of Lt. Jim Odson’s departure. Odson retired after 34 years and was the Mansfield Fire Department’s first paramedic.
Lt. Compton said he sought the promotion out of a desire to pay it forward.
“I was fortunate enough that I got to go to a lot of trainings my first couple years in the department,” he said. “We’ve had a lot of guys retire since I’ve been here. (I want to) give back to the newer, up-and-coming people.”
