Administration
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Chief Gary Sparks
Chief Sparks begin working for the City of Oxford at the fire station when he was 15 years old. Chief Sparks worked for Chief Dewey Webb washing trucks, cleaning the station and other jobs around the station. In 1983, Chief Webb approached Chief Sparks about becoming a member of the volunteer force and on May 12, 1983 he became an official member of the Oxford Volunteer Fire Department.
On February 13, 1987, Chief Sparks became a full time member of the Anniston Fire Department. Chief Sparks rose through the ranks at Anniston and was promoted to Assistant Fire Chief on January 3, 2003. Chief Sparks retired after 20 years of service with the Anniston Fire Department on February 13, 2007.
On March 3, 2007, Chief Sparks became the full time Fire Chief for the City of Oxford. Chief Sparks replaced Chief Eugene Smallwood who retired on March 2, 2007.
Chief Sparks is involved in several civic organizations in his community. He is currently serving on the Alabama Joint Fire Council. He 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 Chief’s Association and was voted the 2015 Alabama Fire Chief of the Year.
On February 13, 1987, Chief Sparks became a full time member of the Anniston Fire Department. Chief Sparks rose through the ranks at Anniston and was promoted to Assistant Fire Chief on January 3, 2003. Chief Sparks retired after 20 years of service with the Anniston Fire Department on February 13, 2007.
On March 3, 2007, Chief Sparks became the full time Fire Chief for the City of Oxford. Chief Sparks replaced Chief Eugene Smallwood who retired on March 2, 2007.
Chief Sparks is involved in several civic organizations in his community. He is currently serving on the Alabama Joint Fire Council. He 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 Chief’s Association and was voted the 2015 Alabama Fire Chief of the Year.
Assistant Chief Ben Stewart
Ben Stewart is the Assistant Chief of Oxford Fire Department. He has been serving the City of Oxford for over 25 years starting out as a volunteer firefighter in December of 1993, then becoming part time for a number of years while also working at a local company as an Health, Safety, and Environmental Specialist. He began serving as a full time firefighter in April of 2007. Over the years he has attained many certifications that have furthered his career with the city. Assistant Chief Stewart is heavily involved in the city by serving on boards such as the Main Street Board and Oxford Healthcare Authority, which has led to many projects being completed to better our community. He is also a member of both statewide and regional organizations; such as the Alabama Fire Chiefs Membership Committee and the East Central Alabama Training Association. Ben is proud to call Oxford his home, and constantly wants to serve this amazing city.