Jeff 'Sparky' Richardson A Lifetime Commitment to Service and Training

As Division Chief, Jeff "Sparky" Richardson is the driving force behind Charlotte Fire’s training evolution. His leadership has transformed the Academy into a place of growth, mentorship, and innovation, shaping the future of the fire service.  

By Kevin Campbell, Charlotte Fire  

Jeff 'Sparky' Richardson has spent his life answering a calling—not just to fight fires, but to uplift, mentor, and inspire. As Division Chief of the Charlotte Fire Training Academy, he has dedicated himself to shaping firefighters into compassionate leaders who serve not just with skill, but with heart.   

For Richardson, firefighting is more than a career; it is a mission to instill integrity, courage, and an unwavering commitment to others. As the Division Chief of the Charlotte Fire Training Academy, he oversees the rigorous education of recruits and the ongoing development of seasoned firefighters. But his journey to leadership began long before he donned the uniform.

Division Chief Jeff "Sparky" Richardson stands in front of the Charlotte Fire Training Academy, where he leads the next generation of firefighters with passion and dedication. 

Richardson, affectionately known as 'Sparky' among his colleagues, was born in Charlotte but raised in Mooresville, where his love for people and desire to serve others led him to a lifelong connection with firefighting. His parents’ best friends lived across from a volunteer fire station, and the sight of firefighters rushing to calls captivated him.

“I was enamored with it,” Richardson recalled. “The moment I turned sixteen, I went straight to the fire department and asked to join.” His initiation into the service came in the form of a traditional Southern fire department rite of passage—a Saturday morning barbecue fundraiser.  

“They told me to show up at six in the morning, and that would show how bad I wanted it,” Richardson said. He did, and from that day forward, his path was set.

Richardson shares a moment with Captain Andre Fuller, emphasizing teamwork and mentorship, two values he holds at the core of his leadership.

After high school, Richardson briefly attended NC State but soon realized his heart wasn’t in it. “I knew what I wanted to do,” he said. “I came home, met with the fire protection program director at Central Piedmont Community College, and told my dad this was my path.”

His father, an engineer, supported his decision but insisted he commit fully. Six months later, Richardson filled out an interest card for Charlotte Fire, took the required tests, and was hired in August 1997.

A journey of dedication and growth captured in a single image. On the left, a young Richardson begins his firefighting career as a recruit, driven by passion and purpose. On the right, years later, he stands proudly with his parents on the morning of his promotion to Battalion Chief—a milestone made even more meaningful by their unwavering love and support. Through every step of his career, family has remained his foundation, shaping the leader he is today.

Over the years, Richardson climbed the ranks, spending fifteen years as a captain—four of those years as a training officer at the Academy. His passion for teaching and preparing the next generation of firefighters solidified his commitment to training.  

“I love watching others grow, overcome challenges, and find their purpose in service,” Richardson said. “Being part of that journey is the most rewarding aspect of this job. “We’re the primary source of comfort for the community, and that responsibility is something I take seriously.”

Watching over a training scenario, Richardson ensures firefighters are prepared for real-world emergencies.   

Now, as Division Chief of Training, Richardson is responsible for preparing recruits for the realities of the job. He understands the weight of that responsibility. “We don’t have the luxury of missing opportunities,” he explained. “Every moment we have with recruits is an opportunity to prepare them for the life-and-death situations they’ll face.”

Division Chief Richardson stands proudly with the Charlotte Fire Training Academy staff and recruit classes 128, 129, 130, and 131. Together, they represent the future of Charlotte Fire, bound by commitment, resilience, and a shared dedication to serving their community.

His approach to training is comprehensive. In addition to overseeing the recruit program, he manages certification programs, continuing education requirements, and specialized training for hazardous materials response and technical rescue. Charlotte Fire requires every uniformed firefighter to complete eighteen hours of in-service training annually, a logistical challenge his team embraces.  

“This isn’t just about checking boxes,” Richardson emphasized. “Skills are perishable. We have to maintain excellence.”

Standing among Charlotte Fire’s fleet, Richardson reflects on the department’s growth and its commitment to excellence.   

Under Richardson’s leadership, the Academy has shifted from being a place of testing to a place of learning.  

Charlotte Fire Chief Reginald Johnson praised Richardson’s dedication to training and mentorship, saying, "Division Chief Richardson has been instrumental in shaping the future of Charlotte Fire. His commitment to excellence, passion for teaching, and ability to inspire both recruits and seasoned firefighters alike have left an indelible mark on this department. We are fortunate to have a leader who truly understands what it means to serve."  

“For too long, people saw the Training Academy as a place where you were judged rather than developed,” he said. “That’s changing. I want people to train until they get it right so that when the call comes in, they’re ready.”

At the heart of training operations, Richardson prepares recruits for the challenges of the job.   

He is also passionate about mentorship. “I’ve been mentored my entire career, and I hope I’ve honored those who guided me by mentoring others,” he said. “That’s how organizations grow and evolve.”  

His training staff plays a crucial role in this mission. “We’re on track to graduate five recruit classes this year—the most since 1997. Recruit school used to be fourteen weeks; now it’s six months. That takes dedication, and I want my team to know how much I appreciate their commitment.”  

Richardson’s vision for the Academy extends beyond traditional training. He wants to incorporate more technology, including simulation tools, serious gaming, and updated burn buildings that reflect the realities of modern firefighting. He recognizes that today’s recruits learn differently than previous generations, and the Academy must evolve to meet them where they are.

In front of the fire engines, Richardson exudes confidence in the team he trains and leads.  

“We have to leverage every available tool to reach younger generations,” Richardson said. “They’re intuitive learners. We need to adapt.”  

When the time comes for him to step away, he doesn’t want to be remembered for new facilities or advanced training programs alone.  

“I want to see firefighters feel a sense of belonging and purpose when they step onto this campus,” he said. “Training isn’t just about learning skills—it’s about building confidence, fostering relationships, and reinforcing the values that define this profession.” I want them to know this is a place of growth, not just evaluation. And most of all, I want them to carry a mindset of service and mentorship into their careers.”

Richardson at the Charlotte Fire Training Academy, where he fosters a culture of learning and resilience.  

For Richardson, the essence of a great firefighter isn’t just skill—it’s a desire to serve.  

“I didn’t want to be the guy waiting for someone else to fix a catastrophe. I wanted to be part of the solution,” he said. “God puts us here to love and serve. That’s what this job is about.”  

That sense of duty is what drives him. He recalls a moment early in his career when a mother handed him her newborn without hesitation.  

“That trust—it speaks to the role we play in people’s lives,” Richardson said. “Firefighters need to be the kind of people who inspire that trust just by existing.”  

As Richardson continues shaping the future of Charlotte Fire, his impact is undeniable. His leadership ensures that the Academy produces not only skilled firefighters but also individuals committed to service, mentorship, and lifelong learning—principles he has upheld his entire career.

As the sun sets on another day of training, Division Chief Jeff "Sparky" Richardson stands as a guiding force for the future of Charlotte Fire. His legacy is not just in the lessons taught, but in the lives he has touched—firefighters who leave the Academy with confidence, purpose, and a deep commitment to serving their community.