Fire departments across Manitoba are mourning the sudden loss of Headingley Fire Chief John Sparham.
Headingley Fire Department announced Sparham’s death in a social media post Wednesday morning.
“Our department is grieving the loss of a respected leader, mentor, and friend who dedicated himself to serving our community through both our volunteer fire department and the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service,” wrote HFD.
A commitment to service
Sparham served with the Headingley Fire Department for seven years and had been the fire chief for the past four years.
“When he was not responding to calls, he protected the public as a Senior Firefighter with the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service,” wrote HFD.
In an earlier post, Sparham spoke about the privilege and honour of serving as chief.
“It’s an opportunity to serve a community that feels like family,” said Sparham. “I’ve always taken pride in being part of Headingley, where the people we serve are friends, neighbours, and familiar faces. Taking on this role would give me the chance to use the experience and knowledge I’ve gained over the years to mentor and guide the next generation of firefighters. Watching them grow into skilled, confident professionals isn’t just rewarding, it’s essential to ensuring our town remains safe and resilient for years to come.”
Tributes pour in from across Manitoba
The department is asking Manitobans to keep Sparham’s family in their thoughts.
“We extend our deepest condolences to Chief Sparham’s family, friends, crews, and colleagues during this difficult time,” the department said.
Meanwhile, fire departments across the province have taken to social media to share their condolences.
“Our deepest condolences go out to John’s family and the Headingley Fire Department. He will be sorely missed but fondly remembered,” said Gimli Fire and Rescue.
“Condolences to Chief Sparham’s family, friends and to the members of the Headingley Fire Department. Rest easy, brother, we will take it from here,” said St. François Xavier Fire Department.
Information about memorial and funeral arrangements will be released at a later date.