[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 86 (Monday, May 22, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E472]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING CHIEF GARY SPARKS' 40 YEARS OF SERVICE AS A FIREFIGHTER FOR 
                            OXFORD, ALABAMA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE ROGERS-

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 22, 2023

  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I ask for the House's attention 
today to recognize Chief Gary Sparks' 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 
dedicated husband, father, and grandfather.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Chief Sparks and his 40 
years of service as a firefighter for the citizens of the City of 
Oxford.

                          ____________________