MANSFIELD — Retirements. Promotions. New hires. And maybe a new fire truck.
Lots of changes are coming next week in the Mansfield Fire Department.
Mansfield City Council is expected on Tuesday to honor Rob Garn, retiring as an assistant chief in the MFD after more than 25 years of service. His work as AC saw him oversee EMS, the fire prevention bureau and quality assurance.
Garn’s interest in the fire service began as a child as a Fire Explorer and continued through six years of military service in the U.S. Navy. He joined the MFD on July 22, 2000.
Garn was promoted to lieutenant in 2014, captain in 2021 and assistant chief in 2024.
He earned the department’s Legion of Merit in 2004 and 2012, a letter of commendation in 2016 and was honored as the Firefighter of the Year in 2022.
His son, Michael, joined in the MFD in May 2022. Then a captain, the elder Garn had the honor of pinning the new badge on his son.
“Throughout his years in uniform, Assistant Chief Garn was known for leading by example and living by a simple but powerful philosophy: never ask someone to do something you would not do yourself,” according to a proclamation council will consider.
Garn is scheduled to work his final shift on Monday.
City Council, also on Tuesday, is scheduled to discuss the potential purchase of a new Pierce Impel Pumper Fire Truck from Atlantic Emergency Solutions at a cost of $1,156,948.
Legislation pending states the city could enter into a 10-year term loan agreement. The purchase, including interest, would come from the MFD’s capital equipment funds. A vote on that purchase is scheduled Feb. 17.
A ceremony marking promotions and new hires is scheduled on Wednesday, Feb. 4 at 3 p.m. in City Council chambers.
Capt. Shawn Yerian will be promoted to assistant chief. Lt. Christopher Sacramone will be advanced to captain and firefighter Jedidiah Cronebach will be promoted to lieutenant.
New firefighters Jackson Boyd and Tyler Elliott will be sworn in after the promotions.