Recognizing the Retirement of Chief Gary Sparks As Fire Chief for the City of Oxford, Alabama

Floor Speech

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Fire Chief Gary Sparks on his retirement, after more than 40 years of service as a firefighter for the City of Oxford, Alabama.

Chief Sparks began his work with the City of Oxford when he was just 15 years old, washing trucks and cleaning the station. On May 12, 1983, he became an official member of the Oxford Volunteer Fire Department.

He later became a full-time member of the Anniston Fire Department on February 13, 1987, rising through the ranks to eventually become Assistant Fire Chief in 2003.

After 20 years of service with the Anniston Fire Department, he retired on February 13, 2007. Chief Sparks became full-time Fire Chief for the City of Oxford on March 3, 2007.

Chief Sparks is involved in several civic organizations in his community. He is currently serving on the Alabama Joint Fire Council. He has served Alabama's fire service for eight years with dedication and insight as a member of the Personnel Standards & Education Commission with the Alabama Fire College. He is a Past President of the Alabama Fire Chiefs Association and was voted the 2015 Alabama Fire Chief of the Year.

In addition to being a dedicated firefighter, Chief Sparks is also a committed husband to his wife, Monica, a wonderful father to his son Robert (Meaghen) and grandfather to McKenna and Conor.

On February 2, 2026, Chief Sparks will retire.

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