Sparta hires new fire chief

Newly-hired fire chief Kevin Powers addresses Sparta Board of Mayor and Aldermen and states he is extremely honored to lead Sparta Fire Department.

Sparta has just approved a new city fire chief, Kevin Powers. Through a unanimous vote of those present at the Sept. 18 Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting, Powers was approved and gave a brief speech about his new role with the city.

“Going through the process of meeting most of you, it was a really a good process,” Powers said. “Learning the vision you have for the fire department, so after the vote, I am extremely humbled. I really appreciate it, knowing some of the really good candidates that we had. So, thank you for your vote, but also I am extremely honored to lead this department. I think this department will be a premier department in the future.”

In addition to approving the hiring of the new fire chief, Dillard Dodson was also hired for the position of police officer due to the resignation of Matthew Starkey.

Mayor Jerry Lowery also shared a commendation from the comptroller’s office for a distinguished submission regarding the city’s budget. The letter praised the city’s speed and efficiency in passing their budget, saying, “We commend the governing body and local officials for submitting a well presented, timely, and organized budget.”

Mayor Lowery thanked the city staff and City Administrator Tonya Tindle as well for their help in getting the commendation. He also thanked the aldermen specifically for their work.

In other business, Sparta has partnered with the TVA once again. At the meeting, Mayor Lowery announced they will be passing out fire blankets beginning 10 a.m., Sept. 22, at Sparta Electric.

The city authorized the purchase of a used fire truck from Firetrucks Unlimited in the amount of $249,000. This was, however, reminded to already be a budgeted item. The city also authorized the purchase and installation of a back-up camera and Federal Q Siren on the newly purchased firetruck, which will cost an additional $11,225.

The city approved two purchases for the electric department. One was 20 25KVA Pole Transformers and 10 15KVA Pole Transformers from Gresco, Inc. in the amount of $45,370. The other purchase was 80 70Watt Street Lights from Cape Electric, costing $12,350.

The next meeting for the Sparta Board of Mayor and Alderman will be 5.p.m.. Oct. 2, at city hall. All meetings are open to the public and are livestreamed of the city’s YouTube channel, Sparta TN Media.