We regret to advise you that a 32 year veteran Firefighter (and Deputy State Fire Marshal) with the Columbia-Adair County FD suffered an apparent heart attack and has now died in the Line of Duty. He was originally air lifted to a Louisville hospital after operating at the fire at a residence on KY 206 on June 30th.
Forty-nine-year-old Charles "Sparky" Sparks, a 32-year veteran of the CACFD who works as a Deputy State Fire Marshall, and also a well known State Fire Instructor, suffered the heart attack and went into sudden cardiac arrest while inside the burning structure. His fellow volunteer firemen used CPR and AED on Sparks until the Adair County EMS arrived on the scene. He was transported to Westlake Regional Hospital and then airlifted by Air Evac to Norton’s Audubon Hospital in Louisville.
FF Sparks was 49 years old and survived by his wife, Tammy, and 15 year old son, Trent.
The fire at which FF Sparks was stricken occurred around 0305 hours Thursday, June 30, at a dwelling located at 3043 Liberty Road. No one was at home at the time the fire occurred. As always, our sincere condolences to all affected in the loss of this well known Kentucky Firefighter.
