241 Pyramid Way, Sparks, NV 89431

Sparks Memorial Park

Park Description:

Sparks Memorial Park is a 0.5-acre Sparks park without restrooms.

Park Amenities:

Gazebo, monuments, and tables/benches.

Park Contact Information:

City of Sparks - Parks & Recreation (775) 353-2376

Park Highlights

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Park History

Click the image to read each topic's full text!

The Park

Sitting on a small patch of land along Pyramid Way, between Victorian Avenue and C Street, the Sparks Memorial Park from the view of passing cars and trucks appears like nothing special; With stands of trees and a few statues scattered across the half acre plot of land.
While this park may not make an initial visual impact like other parks in the Truckee Meadows, this park pays tribute to the Firefighters, Police Officers and Soldiers, who lost their lives in the line of duty and are remembered in the park’s statues and plaques. Their legacy is an important reminder of the City of Sparks and their stories can still be heard if you know where to look.
Image: Michael Misanik.

Sparks Fire Department (SFD) History

The Sparks Fire Department began its service to the community far back in May of 1905 as an all volunteer organization with just fire buckets and hand pulled hose carts on hand. The department was first staffed by only 11 men (one chief, two lieutenants and eight firefighters).

In 1917, the Department started its evolution into a paid/career organization. William R. Shaber became the first paid Fire Chief, serving in the position from 1917 to 1939. Although the force was still mostly volunteers, they were given a small sum based on the number of fires they had responded to. Chief Shaber had been connected with the Sparks Fire Department since its creation, when he served as a volunteer. It was under his supervision as Fire Chief that the Sparks fire equipment was motorized. He placed the order for the first mechanical fire engine in Sparks in March of 1917, an American LaFrance 75 horsepower, 300 gallon-per-minute pumper. Later that year a brick building on the corner of 12th and C Street was purchased (nearby where the Galaxy theater sits today) was purchased and made into the City’s first real fire station.

During the organization’s over 100 year history, the Sparks Fire Department has endeavored to provide the highest level of fire protection, fire rescue, fire prevention, and emergency medical care to the citizens, businesses and visitors of the City of Sparks and continues to do so.

Image: Michael Misanik.

The War Memorial and the Modern Park

Since the park’s establishment additional memorials and statues have been placed on site in 1997, 2002, and 2008.

In the spring of 1997 a humble memorial was dedicated to honor those who fell which says the following

“Lest we forget, sacred to the memory of these men who died in the defense of their native land during World War II, Korea and Vietnam:
Dale Bedell
Ben Garrett
Emilio Masini
William Blake
Raymond Hagar
John Oakey
Timothy Carter
Alton Inman
Darrel Packer
William Casey
Bruce Lague
Frank Puccinelli
Jack Christensen
Larry Lakey
William Purdy
Edgar Corbiere
Raymond Lucey
Donald Purdy
Bovee Dodds
Richard Kellison
Michael Shea
Dwight Elder
William Koskela
Harlan Vidovich
Frank Gandolfo
Lewis Martini
Lloyd Williams

Dedicated, 27th of May 1997 by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, American Legion Posts, and James E. Inman.”

Additional similar memorials dot the parks with one deticated to the fallen heroes who fought the War on Terror.

Image: Michael Misanik.

The Firefighter's Prayer

Throughout the park there are several monuments and memories that honor many of those firefighters who served their community with one that sticks out among the rest, a small plaque of the Firefighters Prayer that says the following:

“When I am called to duty, God, wherever flames may rage, give me strength to save a life, whatever be its age..
Help me embrace a little child before it is too late, or save an older person from the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert, and hear the weakest shout, quickly and efficiently to put the fire out. I want to fill my calling, to give the best in me, to guard my friend and neighbor, and protect his property.
And if according to Your will I must answer death's call, bless with your protecting hand, my family one and all.”

Author Unknown

Image: Michael Misanik.

Get Involved!

Donate:

Make a donation to support the Parks Project or your favorite Parks Foundation program, project, or wherever its needed! Click here to donate today.

Volunteer:

Support our parks by volunteering with the Parks Foundation! Attend a volunteer event or choose an ongoing role. Click here to explore opportunities.

iNaturalist:

Out in our parks or open spaces? Try cataloguing the biodiversity around you with iNaturalist! All it takes is downloading the iNaturalist app onto your phone to get started.

Curious what's been seen in this park? Click the link below to see what species other have spotted!

Sparks Memorial Park on iNaturalist

Contact:

Have a question about our parks or the Parks Project? Email us at parksproject@tmparksfoundation.org!

Want To Learn More?

References & Further Info:

City of Sparks - Parks & Community Facilities
“Fire Department History.” Sparks, NV, https://www.cityofsparks.us/fire_home/about_us/history_.php.
“Sparks Fire Department, NV.” Sparks, NV, https://www.cityofsparks.us/fire_home/index.php.
Sparks Memorial Park - Sparks, NV - Municipal Parks and Plazas on Waymarking.com, https://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/wm4KQ5_Sparks_Memorial_Park_Sparks_NV.

Contributor(s):

Michael Misanik (History & Content)

Erin Larsen (Editor)

Last Updated:

September 15, 2023 at 4:31:00 PM

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