By Gary Ogle
gogle@wbcowqel.com

Sometimes the simplest way of introducing someone is the best way. When Bucyrus Mayor Jeff Reser was done swearing in the newest captain for the Bucyrus Fire Department on Tuesday morning, he faced a room full of city officials, Bucyrus firefighters and the family and friends of the man getting a new badge – then proceeded saying without hesitation, “Captain Sparks, everyone.”

Ryan Sparks, a 20-year veteran of the fire department, spent just three years as a lieutenant before making the rank of captain. It is an accomplishment not lost on Fire Chief Jay Keller.

“That’s pretty good,” Keller said. “It’s well deserved. He won’t make his guys do anything he wouldn’t do himself.”

Upon receiving his badge and taking the oath of his new office, Sparks turned and faced the crowd that had gathered in City Council Chambers.

“It’s kind of humbling, there’s a lot to learn,” Sparks said. “I hope to always bring everyone home on every shift.”

Sparks also expressed his appreciation for the support of his family. He and his wife, Caren, have three children – a daughter, Jennifer, and two sons, Brock and Bryant.

Sparks discussed the beginning of his career and where it has led.

“I met now Chief Jay Keller, I came up to the station and saw what the job entailed, met the guys, found out what they really did. That’s what hooked me as a fireman,” Sparks said. “It (being captain) means that I have a shift to oversee and the activities that they do.

“Recently it’s become a career goal. When I was a firefighter I was really happy being a firefighter. As I put more years in I saw what I wanted to do, what I hopefully could do. This is what I wanted to be.”

Mayor Jeff Reser addressed the firefighters who had assembled, “I want to thank you guys for what you do for the city. You don’t get thanked enough.”

Then the mayor added a caveat, “I would be remiss without mentioning the voters for passing the one-half percent (safety services tax levy.)”

Sparks will replace Gordon Grove as a department captain. Grove’s firefighting career spanned 40 years before he retired last December.