Chances are pretty good that if you lived or visited Hastings anytime since the summer of ‘62, you have met or seen Frank Campbell. Campbell’s 55 years of service to the city includes stints as a police officer, volunteer firefighter, lieutenant and captain with BIRCH Fire Department for more than 20 years, manager of the Hastings Airport and since 1980, an official from alderman to mayor (twice) in city government.
Mayor-elect David Tossava Tuesday presented Campbell with a City of Hastings Proclamation recognizing his service to the city and wider community as he retires.
Appointed First Ward Alderman in 1980, Campbell served as an elected official leading up to two four- year terms as mayor until his first retirement in 2004. He accepted an appointment to served the remainder of an unexpired term on the council until December of 2005. Campbell returned on Jan. 1, 2008, to serve another term ending Dec. 31, 2011.
“When Mayor Bob May passed away prior to the end of his term as our city’s mayor, Mayor Frank stepped in to fill the position of mayor,” Tossava said. “Mayor Frank then agreed to serve out an additional four-year term in that office,” Tossava said.
Campbell served on numerous boards and commissions on the local and state level, and was instrumental in a number of important projects and activities while serving on the council.
“We owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude for Mayor Frank’s many years of service to the community and his role in making Hastings, ‘What you always wanted your home town to be,’” Tossava concluded. The presentation ended in a standing ovation for Campbell and an exchange of the mayor’s gavel from Campbell to Tossava.
Campbell later said he was surprised and pleased that his extended family showed up for the honor. “I thought Linda and the kids, LuAnn and Lee, would come; the rest of them filled up one side of the council chambers,” he said. He said his wife Linda is his greatest asset. “She’s a neat gal,” he said. “I’ve had her for 55 years. I couldn’t be where I am today without her.”
Photo upper left, (from left) Julie Calley, 87th District State Rep-elect, outgoing Mayor Frank Campbell, and incoming Mayor David Tossava pose for a photo at Campbell’s retirement party Wednesday.
Middle left: Middleville’s President Charlie Pullen and Frank Campbell show off a gag gift of Old Crow for “an old crow,” Campbell quipped.
Lower left: Linda Campbell (right) chats with Kathy Rowley at Frank Campbell’s retirement party.
Middle right: People congratulating Mayor Frank Campbell on his retirement flowed in and out of City Hall Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Top right: Dave Tossava will preside over his first meeting as Mayor of Hastings on Jan. 9, 2017.
