City News

City of Tuscaloosa Mayor, Walt Maddox, has appointed Captain Mark Delk as Chief of Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue (TFR), effective June 14, 2025.
 
“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.”
 
Captain Delk brings over 19 years of experience in fire service and emergency response to the role. Since 2006, he has served TFR as a Paramedic and Apparatus Operator, and later as Lieutenant Paramedic, where he oversaw station operations, emergency responses, training, and public education initiatives. In addition to his operational roles, Delk has led the development of numerous safety and medical training programs that have advanced fire and EMS education statewide.
 
Since 2010, Delk has also served as a Training Specialist at the Alabama Fire College. There, he has designed and led programs ranging from CPR and paramedic pharmacology to high-level Critical Care and Flight Paramedic certification courses. His innovations—such as launching online learning platforms and life-paced EMT and AEMT programs—have expanded access to fire and EMS training across Alabama and into neighboring states.
 
“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 holds an undergraduate degree from The University of Alabama in Emergency Management and Operations, and a Master’s Degree in Emergency Management from Jacksonville State University and has played a key role in statewide safety initiatives, curriculum development, and EMS system enhancements. He has also served on committees overseeing the design of rescue vehicles and emergency medical infrastructure.
 
With Delk’s appointment, the City is poised to continue its commitment to excellence, preparedness, and innovation in fire and emergency services.