Oxford Mayor Alton Craft has announced the promotion of Assistant Oxford Fire Chief Ben Stewart to the rank of Fire Chief. The promotion takes effect February 1, 2026, upon the retirement of Fire Chief Gary Sparks.
Stewart will lead a department of 47 full-time firefighters, including 16 paramedics, 2 advanced EMTs, and 18 EMT-Basics, equipped with the latest training, skills, and technologies, and a fleet of specialized vehicles.
“During his more than a quarter-century of service to the city of Oxford, Ben Stewart has earned the respect and affection of both his colleagues and his community,” Craft said. “It is difficult to come up with a list of major events over the last several years where Ben has not either participated in the planning stages, put himself on the front lines, or both. Oxford is blessed to have a public servant such as Ben. The city council and I are appreciative that he has accepted this appointment to continue his service to the city and will assume the awesome responsibility of leading this vital pillar of public safety.”
Sparks added his endorsement of Stewart’s appointment.
“I know Ben will do an excellent job,” Sparks said. “I told him it would not hurt my feelings if he made some changes. It’s now his time to take the department further.”
Stewart began his service to Oxford as a volunteer firefighter in 1993, later becoming part-time for several years while also working at a local company as a Health, Safety, and Environmental Specialist.
He began serving as a full-time firefighter in 2007, attaining numerous certifications, which led him to the position of assistant fire chief.
Stewart is also a member of statewide and regional organizations, including the Alabama Fire Chiefs Membership Committee, and has served on local boards, including the Historic Oxford Main Street board, where he has helped lead many projects to completion to improve the community.
Stewart and his wife, Tisha, have been married for 25 years, and are the proud parents of son and 2024 JSU graduate with honors, Nathan.
A pinning ceremony for Stewart will be held at the next regular meeting of the Oxford City Council on January 27, 2027.