Sparta Aldermen approved Kevin Powers to be the next Fire Chief Thursday night.
Powers said he is a third generation firefighter, and he feels like he was born for the career. Powers said he spent the last few years working at the Red Cross, but he spent several years before that as a fireman. Powers said he is humbled to be selected and excited to get started.
“I’ve been fortunate to meet some of the current firefighters,” Powers said. “And their drive and motivation they already have to improve the fire department, almost seems like this job is a dream job to take just because of the motivation they have. And the backing of the Council and Aldermen.”
Powers will replace Kirk Young, who retired over the summer. Powers will officially assume the role of Fire Chief in October. His hiring was approved unanimously.
Powers said he was first drawn to Sparta because of its small town atmosphere, supportive community, and proximity to his home and family.
Powers said his hiring process was lengthy but informative. It included a panel interview as well as an individual conversation with each Alderman. Powers said those conversations allowed both sides to share their visions for the department moving forward.
“The vision is to be a motivator for the top-notch firefighters we already have,” Powers said. “Be a resource manager to help them get the tools that they need, and make this a premier department not only in the county, but in the Upper Cumberland area.”
Powers said his biggest goal is to foster a family environment within the department. He said he hopes individual projects become group projects, and that community can flourish between the firefighters and their families outside of work.
Sparta Mayor Jerry Lowery said Powers brings a lot of experience to the Sparta Fire Department. Lowery said his hiring was aided by a committee of city managers and firefighters from other communities. Lowery said Powers was one of several good candidates.
“His personality, his background working with the American Red Cross the last couple of years,” Lowery said. “They did have a lot of volunteers, so that kind of fit into the emergency situation. He was kind of a well-rounded candidate for that.”
Powers addressed the Aldermen at Thursday’s meeting and thanked everyone for their votes and support, and expressed his excitement to lead the Department going forward.
In other business, the Sparta Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved the hiring of Dillard Dodson as a new Police Officer. Dodson will replace Matthew Starkey, who resigned his position.
Aldermen approved the purchase of 30 pole transformers for some $45,370.
Aldermen approved the purchase of 80 70 Watt streetlights for some $12,350. They will have white LED bulbs and will be installed on side streets.