Harold M. Marty Sparks died in the line of duty on January 17‚ 2009‚ from a heart attack while operating a motor vehicle. He was a full-time career firefighter for the civilian fire department at Wright -Patterson Air Force Base.

Marty was born January 13‚ 1964. He graduated from Fayetteville High School and served four years in the United States Air Force.

He joined the Fayetteville Fire Department in Fayetteville‚ Ohio‚ as a junior cadet at age 14. At the time of his death‚ he was serving as Fayetteville’s assistant chief. His duties with the department included conducting inspections and participating in student education programs in the Fayetteville School District. He loved children.

Marty was a volunteer fishing coordinator at Kamp Dovetail in Highland County‚ taking special needs children fishing each year. He was an avid fan of Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

He is survived by his wife‚ Ann Sparks; his parents‚ Harold and Patty Sparks; his sister‚ Pamela Daniel; his grandmother‚ Mertie Sullivan; and his aunt‚ Suzanne Wagner.

Marty Sparks was well known and well loved in the Fayetteville community. He liked to play practical jokes and was always smiling. He was a giving person who enjoyed helping people.