News
In the News: Thank You
Posted on April 4, 2017
Originally published in the Times Daily.
The emotions showed on Phil Powell’s face as the resolution honoring Russellville firefighter Shane Mansell was read.
“My friends and family could have been attending a funeral. My friends and family could be at a gravesite; mourning and crying could have continued unto this day. But praise be to God for that was not his plan for me, Phil Powell, on March 11, 2017.
“His Plan was to make sure that a hero was ready, willing and able to serve Him! Right on time, in the right place, with just the right abilities. That hero is Shane Mansell.”
Mansell is credited for saving Powell’s life while they were attending a High School Fishing Association competition March 11 on Lake Guntersville. The Russellville City Council honored Mansell and members of the Russellville Fire Department prior to Monday’s council meeting.
Powell, of Alabaster, had a heart attack while at the fishing tournament to watch his son compete. Mansell, who is also the association director, was there with his son as well.
When he got to Powell and saw him turning blue and on the verge of passing out, the 17-year veteran of the Fire Department got Powell to the ground and immediately began giving him chest compressions.
Mansell continued the chest compressions until park rangers arrived. The rangers had to eventually shock Powell, using an automated external defibrillator.
Mansell, downplaying his actions, said he just reacted to the situation.
“I did what I’m trained to do,” he said.
Powell was flown from Guntersville State Park to Huntsville Hospital, where he underwent surgery for a defibrillator implant.
Mansell visited Powell in the hospital the next day. Monday night was the first time since that hospital visit the two had seen each other.
“This is a way to thank Shane for doing the job he does every day, even when he’s not on duty,” Mayor David Grissom said of the resolution. “We wanted to show him how much we appreciate him and the professionalism he showed helping Mr. Powell.”
Grissom said Powell called him a few days after the incident.
“When I talked with him, he was so excited and thankful. All he could do was talk about how Shane saved his life,” Grissom said. “Mr. Powell wanted to be here, and we’re excited that we could make this happen.”
Mansell received a “lifesaving” pin from the Fire Department.
Mansell, who didn’t know about the resolution or the pin, said it was great to see Powell and visit with him for a few minutes. “We have a bond that will always keep us close,” said the firefighter.
“Shane Mansell saved my life. Shane used his God-given skills and his courage to bind himself to me when my heart fatally stopped. This bond was made through CPR,” Powell said in the resolution.
Powell said he was glad to see Mansell again and get to thank him in person.
“I feel better each day, and I thank God every day that I’m alive and that he put Shane in my life to save my life,” Powell said.