Like father, like son: Dave, Adam Compton keep it in the family with Mansfield Fire Dept.

MANSFIELD — Veteran firefighter Dave Compton pinned his son’s badge on when Adam Compton joined the Mansfield Fire Department eight years ago.

Now a lieutenant, Adam Compton returned the favor on Wednesday afternoon when his dad was promoted to assistant chief in the MFD.

The 53-year-old new assistant chief, who joined the city fire service in 1996, said it was an honor to pin his son’s badge on when he joined the department in 2018.

“To have him pin the assistant chief badge on me (Wednesday), I felt very honored and humbled with that, as well,” said Compton, a Lexington High School graduate who has also been the Washington Township fire chief for 22 years.

Compton was one of three Mansfield firefighters promoted Wednesday. Christopher Ransom was promoted to captain from lieutenant and firefighter Zachary Smith was advanced to lieutenant.

Mansfield fire Chief Dan Crow said he was happy for Compton, “our most tenured fire officer.”

“He’s been a captain my entire career, for over 20 years now, and is taking the step from captain up into assistant chief.

“Even though he’s very experienced and he’s incredibly proficient at his duties as a captain, it’s a big role to step into the administrative role and now being responsible for the operations part of it, but making sure everyone’s growing and supporting (his) people and leading at that higher level,” Crow said.

“I know you’re prepared to do it and I’m very excited to see kind of where your career goes from here,” the chief told the new assistant chief.

(Below are photos from Wednesday from a Mansfield Fire Department promotion ceremony in City Council chambers. Photos by Justice Wheeler for Richland Source.)

For Dave Compton, his career began — and will end — at home.

“I grew up in the Lexington and Mansfield area. I’ve been here my whole life. This is home,” he said.

The fire service is in the family’s blood.

“I was drawn to the fire service by my older brother, who’s a fire chief of Troy Township, Rich Compton.

“I remember going down to the fire station when I was little with him and climbing all over fire trucks. There’s just something about it, the adrenaline rush … but also the fact that you’re doing something that you love. It’s not necessarily going to work … you’re going to to do your passion.

“As far as families following in footsteps, it goes back to the beginning of the fire service. Adam will tell you that he saw me go to work every third day. My wife would bring him up on the days that I worked.

“So he got to hang out at the fire station …. was exposed to what is really a second family, brother and sister firefighters, they become your second family. You eat with them, you sleep with them, you laugh with them, you cry with them,” Compton said.

In his new role, Compton’s primary responsibility is to ensure “A” crew operates smoothly, handling the day-to-day operations.

Though the role is more administrative by nature, he isn’t bound to a desk.

“We have the flexibility (to also respond to scenes). We attend all fires, all auto accidents, and any calls that come in, we have the flexibility that we can absolutely go on those and help out,” Compton said.

Crow also praised Ransom and Smith for their advancements.

He said Ransom was “taking a step from a frontline supervisor into more of a managing fire officer role.”

“Chris has prepared himself very well. I have gotten to know him extremely well in our time, working in the fire prevention bureau. I’m very proud to see you grow, Chris, and continue to keep making those moves. I am very excited for where you’re headed,” Crow said.

Ransom’s new badge was pinned on by his uncle, retired Mansfield fire Chief Keith Ransom.

Crow said Smith is taking on an important role as lieutenant.

“I always call it the most important position in the fire department. They still respond on all the calls, but they are the officer that’s with the crew, both on the EMS side and on the fire side, and Zach is already a leader in our department,” Crow said.

“He’s been a part of our tactical paramedic unit that works with the (police) SWAT team for years. He’s very well trained. He’s got his head on straight and he’s going to do a wonderful job,” Crow said.

The new lieutenant had his badge pinned on by his daughters.

Safety Service Director Keith Porch administered the oaths of office to the newly promoted firefighters.

“Gentlemen, congratulations. I know it’s well deserved and well earned. It takes time and experience and testing to get where you’re at today.

“I wish all three of you extreme success in your new positions and, I know you’ll do a, a fantastic job,” Porch said.

Mayor Jodie Perry also attended the ceremony.

“I just want to add my congratulations. It’s great the longer I’m here as mayor when we do these ceremonies because I’ve gotten to know each of these guys a little bit better over my time. I am excited for all of you, really excited about where the department is headed,” Perry said.

“Thanks for stepping up and I look forward to working with each of you closer,” the mayor said.