It’s been 32 years since Davis County Sheriff Kelly Sparks put on the uniform – 30 of those in Davis County. Sparks was recently recognized by the County Commission for his service. Over those many years, Sparks has served in almost every capacity in law enforcement and has enjoyed a career that has allowed him to help others.

“I had an interest from high school on,” said Sparks. “I thought I might like to do public service and the Sheriff’s Office was hiring. I applied without really knowing what it was about. I tested in 1982 and started Jan. 1, 1983.”

There were 400 applicants, he said. “Ultimately, I was hired. At the time it was all background training, you didn’t have to go to college. I trained on the job.”

Sparks started at the jail. “I had the opportunity to go to the police academy and I graduated as the Outstanding Cadet. I was offered a position in patrol and I applied to the paramedic program. It was a countywide service then.”

He went to EMT and paramedic school and was Deputy Sheriff on patrol. “I was on patrol for 23 years,” Sparks said. “Initially I was on patrol then became a sergeant and then a lieutenant on patrol.”

For four years Sparks served as Chief Deputy. “It was a great opportunity. I was a SWAT commander for 12 years. We were one of the first in the country to have embedded paramedics in a tactical SWAT unit. I was also a hostage negotiator and PIO (Public Information Officer) for the county for a number of years.”

Sparks was a lieutenant in the Investigation Division and assistant emergency services manager. “I’ve had the opportunity here to serve in every division and served in almost every capacity.”

He taught at POST (Peace Officers Standards and Training) for two years at Weber State University. “I was asked to apply to be Deputy Director of POST For the state,” Sparks said. “I did all the training for all of the offices in the state of Utah. I supervised basic training and the investigation unit and did inservice training throughout the state.”

Sparks said it gave him the opportunity to get to know how law enforcement departments worked all across the state. “It was a great education. I was involved in it at every level. I was there for 10 years and then made the decision to run for the office of Sheriff in 2019.”

There have been a lot of tough things during his career, he said. “Unfortunately I have had people die in my arms. Some have injuries you just can’t help. It’s a hard thing because you feel like maybe you missed something. Obviously that is very difficult. You see humans do terrible things to others. I’ve had to make death notices and go to someone’s home to tell them about a homicide or suicide.You’re there with distraught family members. Those situations are hard things to deal with.”

Then there are the happy moments, said Sparks. “I delivered a baby in a home and those times are exciting. Helping people severely injured and giving them the treatment that saves their life – that’s a time we celebrate.”

Sparks said it’s been challenging for his family. “They’ve been very supportive. I tried to be present when I was with them.”

 With all the things he’s seen and dealt with, Sparks said he’s had to find ways to cope. “There weren’t a lot of resources when I started. The advice was to suck it up and be tough about it. I’ve tried to keep occupied with church and hobbies but nowadays there are more resources.”

The Davis County Sheriff’s Office has a mental health counselor that comes in three times a week, he said. “I’ve taken advantage of that. I’ve recognized the need for that in my own life and career. Staying healthy and active and reminding myself of the things that are important has gotten me through.”

This has been a great career, the best in the world, said Sparks. “It’s not for everyone. If you have the personality for it it can be the greatest. It’s given me so many opportunities to do so many things. It’s beyond expectations that I had as a young man.”

Davis County is a great place with great people, he said. “They are very supportive of law enforcement. That truly does make a difference to feel like people appreciate what you do.” λ