[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 209 (Thursday, December 11, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1180]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE RETIREMENT OF CHIEF GARY SPARKS AS FIRE CHIEF FOR THE 
                        CITY OF OXFORD, ALABAMA

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. MIKE ROGERS

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 11, 2025

  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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