OXFORD, AL — During its regular meeting Tuesday night, the Oxford City Council formally recognized Oxford Fire Chief Gary Sparks for his decades of service as he prepares to retire on February 1, 2026.
Chief Sparks’ career with the Oxford Fire Department began at just 15 years old, when he volunteered by cleaning fire stations and washing trucks. He continued serving throughout his high school years, including being elected fire chief during Oxford High School’s Senior Government Day. His commitment to the department and the city continued over the following decades, ultimately leading to his appointment as Oxford Fire Chief on March 3, 2007.
During his tenure, the Oxford Fire Department transitioned into a fully professional, full-time force now consisting of more than 40 firefighters. Under Chief Sparks’ leadership, the department expanded its infrastructure with the construction of four fire stations and a training center that now supports firefighter training across Alabama through use by the Alabama Fire College.
Chief Sparks’ influence extended beyond Oxford through leadership and service with the Alabama Fire Chief’s Association, the Alabama Joint Fire Council, the Alabama Fire College, and the Calhoun County 911 Board.
As part of Tuesday night’s meeting, the City of Oxford adopted Resolution No. 2026-01, formally honoring Chief Sparks’ career and contributions. The resolution bestows upon him the title of Fire Chief Emeritus and designates the department’s newest state-of-the-art mobile unit — scheduled to be placed into service in 2026 — to bear the name “Chief Gary Sparks.”
Full Resolution Text
A RESOLUTION HONORING OXFORD FIRE CHIEF GARY SPARKS
(Resolution No. 2026-01)
WHEREAS, the city of Oxford sees it as most appropriate to honor those who have devotedly worked to improve the city and the lives of its citizens; and
WHEREAS, Gary Sparks is retiring as Oxford Fire Chief on February 1, 2026, having been appointed to the position on March 3, 2007, marking the second longest tenure in the history of that position, and
WHEREAS, Chief Sparks began his service to the city of Oxford at the age of 15 as a volunteer cleaning the fire station and washing trucks, and did so throughout his high school years during which he was elected fire chief for the Oxford High School Senior Government Day; and
WHEREAS, Chief Sparks continued working as an Oxford volunteer firefighter while serving 20 years with the Anniston Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, during Chief Sparks’ tenure as Oxford fire chief, the Oxford Fire Department transitioned to having a full-time team of professionally trained firefighters now numbering more than 40; and oversaw construction of four new fire stations and a training center, which is also utilized by the Alabama Fire College to train new firefighters from across the state; and
WHEREAS, Chief Sparks’ dedication to the fire service has been recognized with his leadership of the Alabama Fire Chief’s Association, the Alabama Joint Fire Council, the Alabama Fire College, and the Calhoun County 911 Board; and
WHEREAS, Chief Sparks has maintained a devotion to his family with wife Monica, son Robert, daughter-in-law Meaghen, and grandchildren Conor and Kenna; and a devotion to his faith by his service to Brookside Baptist Church; and
WHEREAS, one of Chief Sparks’ last major actions as Oxford fire chief was to acquire a new, state-of-the-art mobile unit designed for multiple purposes including protecting the public from hazardous material situations which is scheduled to be placed into service in 2026; NOW THEREFORE
BE IT RESOLVED by the mayor and city council of Oxford, Alabama, on behalf of its citizens, the title of Fire Chief Emeritus of the Oxford Fire Department is hereby bestowed upon Gary Sparks, and declare the newest mobile unit of the Oxford Fire Department be placed into service bearing the name “Chief Gary Sparks” as a working tribute to his years of devoted service and a continuing inspiration to the generations of firefighters that will follow.
Additional Council Business
The January 13, 2026 meeting agenda also included:
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Proclamation recognizing Human Trafficking Awareness Month
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Public hearing and subsequent ordinance to rezone property at 69 Reaves Drive from Residential 1 (R-1) to Garden Home (GH)
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Ordinance declaring surplus property on Turner Road and authorizing its conveyance to the Oxford Health Care Authority
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Consent agenda items awarding a $939,739 sidewalk improvement contract along Main Street, authorizing professional grant services related to a USDOT BUILD Grant application, and approving a marketing license agreement with Oxford Mall, LLC for a boat show
The council adjourned with its next regular meeting scheduled for January 27, 2026.
