Sparks Named Executive Director of Tennessee State Fire Academy

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office proudly announces the promotion of Jason Sparks to the role of executive director of the Tennessee State Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy (TFACA) located in Bell Buckle.

Mr. Sparks, who has nearly 30 years of professional experience in the fire service and emergency management, has served since 2020 as TFACA’s Fire Program Director. In that role, Mr. Sparks excelled at statewide training operations, supported curriculum modernization that aligned with national standards, and strengthened instructor workforce development, among other duties.

“Jason has a proven leadership track record, a comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of fire safety and emergency management, and a vision for creating even greater success at TFACA in the future,” said State Fire Marshal and Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance Commissioner Carter Lawrence.  “In this new role as TFACA’s executive director, Jason will continue to advance training at the Academy to better protect firefighters and the communities they serve.”

In addition to his role at TFACA as its Fire Program Director, Mr. Sparks concurrently serves as ESF-4 Coordinator with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency where he oversees mobilization of fire resources during emergencies. He is also the chief of the Doyle Fire Department, an all-volunteer department. From 1994 to 2014, Mr. Sparks was a firefighter with the City of Sparta Fire Department where he rose to the rank of Captain/Training Officer, among other professional achievements.

“I am honored, grateful, and excited to continue to help train future members of the Tennessee fire service in this new role as TFACA’s executive director,” said Mr. Sparks. “The Academy plays a critical role in public safety across Tennessee, and I am committed to our mission while maintaining transparency, operational discipline, and forward-looking leadership.”

Mr. Sparks replaces Jeff Elliott, who stepped down from TFACA in February for a position in the private sector after a distinguished career in both state and local government.

Sparks holds an Associate of Applied Science degree from Volunteer State Community College and is a graduate of Tennessee Technological University’s EMT-paramedic program.

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