Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox Appoints New Fire Chief from In-House

A longtime leader in the Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue service has been named its next chief, Mayor Walt Maddox announced Friday.

In a press release, Maddox said he has appointed Captain Mark Delk to take over the department's top role beginning June 16th.

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“There is no greater responsibility than protecting the lives of the people who call Tuscaloosa home, and that begins with strong leadership in public safety,” said Mayor Walt Maddox. “Captain Delk has spent nearly two decades preparing for this role—not just through emergency response, but by shaping the next generation of firefighters and paramedics. His dedication, his innovation in training, and his steady leadership are exactly what TFR needs as we look to the future.”

The city said Delk has worked with TFR since 2006 as their Paramedic and Apparatus Operator, then as a Lieutenant Paramedic.

In that role, Delk oversaw station operations, training for firefighters, public education initiatives to prevent fires from starting and emergency responses when they were necessary.

The city said he has also spearheaded the development of numerous safety and medical training programs for programs both locally and statewide and served as a Training Specialist at the Alabama Fire Collegefor 15 years.

“Serving this department and the citizens of Tuscaloosa has been the honor of my career,” said Captain Delk. “I’m humbled by this opportunity and ready to build on our foundation by advancing training, supporting our personnel, and strengthening public safety throughout our community.”

Delk is a University of Alabama alumnus with a degree in emergency management and operations, and also earned a master's degree from Jacksonville State University.

Maddox said the hire demonstrates the city's ongoing commitment to being at the public safety.

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