Sparta Fire Department serves the community with pride

Sparta’s fire department has stood for years as a pillar of strength and service for the community, and lately, a focus on modern training and constantly improving equipment has helped these brave heroes continue their good work for the community.

Chief Kirk Young has served as chief for the department since 2011, and he is always proud of the work he and his fellow workers and volunteers accomplish. The department has six paid employees and around 10 volunteers.

Training for fire departments has grown in recent years. Chief Young and Capt. Richard Taylor both remarked that the state required trainings assure the team is prepared for nearly anything. In addition, they talk about how the mindset toward safety has really changed.

“Used to, when I first got on, it was a rite of passage to see just how dirty you could get,” Chief Young said. “If it was clean, you were picked on. But in reality, that’s the best thing you can do now. All the cleaning, keeping corrosives off that turnout gear.”

The department also praised City of Sparta in helping keep them all well-equipped. As fire department equipment is a constantly improving situation, the city has been able to keep the personnel ready for any challenge.

“The city has really made great strides in making sure we always get what we need,” said Chief Young.

“Modern equipment,” Capt. Taylor added. “And the equipment, like everything else, it’s just constantly changing. They’re constantly finding better ways to improve the apparatus and keep it good and safe. The improvements that have been made in fire service, like Kirk said, they’ve tried to make things safer for the firefighter.”

There have been other changes with their work as firefighters, however. Capt. Taylor mentioned how the era of volunteers being the main driving force of fire departments has wavered in recent years. Many firefighters, or at the very least the old guard, have gone the career path with this work.

“It seems like,” Capt. Taylor said, “that the volunteerism is gone. You don’t have as many people volunteer anymore. You know, you still have a couple that come through the door for the right reason. The city, though, has actually turned out so many career firefighters in the area that are now in Murfreesboro, Lebanon, DeKalb.”

The department is also grateful for the support the Sparta community has shown. Their work includes some of the highest potential for sacrifice for the community. Their department does not generate revenue, and it is not always the safest job. Despite that, they give their best effort and work alongside other emergency personnel for the benefit of Sparta.

“At the end of the day, we want to make it home to our families as well,” Chief Young said. “Public service is a unique thing as far as giving back, helping our neighbors. It’s all about helping your neighbor, in times of need. Not only the fire and police department, also the dispatch and rescue squad. We all work together for a common goal to safe life and property. We’re just a family. We have our little spats like any family does, but when push comes to shove, we trust we have each other’s back. We’re a melting pot, I’d say.”

The fire department is proud to have served Sparta for decades, and they are willing to continue serving for decades to come. Many of the workers present have been in this line of work for many years, and they are highly specialized and certified for the role. These brave firefighters should always be recognized and respected for their service.