Words by Reagan Young | Images by Ryan McGill
Chris Uptain, a longtime Jasper firefighter, was named the city’s Fire Chief last month following the retirement of Chief Dante Fields. Known for his practical experience and dry humor, Uptain brings a steady hand and a servant’s heart to his new role, aiming to lead the department with integrity and skill.
A native of Sumiton, Alabama, Uptain began his firefighting career in 2003 after an impromptu ride-along with a few volunteer firefighters from Dora. While hanging out with his friends, they were dispatched to a grass fire. They told him to hop in the car and join them, and after witnessing firsthand what the job entailed, he was hooked. Soon after, he joined the Dora Fire Department. Over the next two decades, Uptain built a solid career in the fire service, spending the last 17 years with the Jasper Fire Department.
“The thing I like most about the fire service is, of course, the community,” Uptain says. “We are the ones people call when they don’t know what else to do. Being able to show up and rectify the situation to the best of our ability is rewarding.”
Over the years, Uptain has held several leadership roles within the department, including Operations Chief and Deputy Chief. Now, as Fire Chief, he continues to emphasize leading by example.
“If I expect my guys to show up, and look good, and perform good, then I want to show up, and look good, and perform good,” Uptain says.
Outside of the station, Uptain enjoys spending time with his wife of 20 years, their five daughters, and three grandchildren. He likes to hunt, fish, and squeeze in a game of ping-pong with fellow firefighters when time allows. Uptain, a passionate sports fan, has also spent years coaching youth softball, baseball, and basketball, helping shape the next generation of local athletes.
When coaching softball, Uptain especially enjoys watching players begin to grasp the game’s strategy.
“It is a thinking man’s game,” he says. “The more you can plan, the more you can think ahead and know where everybody is and know what everybody is going to do next. When you see the girls get that, boy, that’s awesome.”
Uptain also serves as the youth minister for Dora First Baptist Church. A longtime member of the congregation, he noticed the youth group needed someone dependable and consistent, so he stepped in.
Knowing the demands of his new role, Uptain recently stepped away from coaching to fully focus on the responsibilities of leading the Jasper Fire Department, showing up every day with commitment and character. WL
