Jasper Fire Department reports increased call volume, staffing remains strong

The Jasper Fire Department maintains a strong roster of 38 volunteer firefighters, many with decades of experience, as call volumes continue to rise in the growing community.

Fire Chief Kenny Hochgesang, who presented the department’s annual report at Wednesday’s Jasper Council meeting, highlighted that the department responded to 504 calls in 2024, up from 463 in 2023. The department has already handled 178 calls so far in 2025, compared to 162 during the same period last year.

“Jasper’s growing. We have more residents, more buildings, and it’s just going to continue to be that way,” the chief explained about the uptick in calls.

Medical calls represent the largest portion of the department’s activity, with 239 medical responses last year compared to 208 fire calls. The department also handled three extrication calls and 54 miscellaneous calls–accidental alarms caused by delivery drivers in elevators were a large number of these.

“That’s happened 15 times this year,” he added.

The chief credits local employers for making the volunteer model possible in Jasper.

“A lot of people come in the community and ask how we’re volunteer, how we’re able to maintain that. And we give all the credit to the employers because they’re the ones that let firefighters leave and respond to calls,” Hochgesang told the council.

The department’s roster includes several members with extensive service records. Assistant Chief Mike Steurer has served 38 years, while other veteran members include Lieutenant Tim Berger with 34 years, Lieutenant Mike Theile with 32 years, Jason Eckstein with 26 years, and Matt Werner with 20.

“There’s a good nucleus there to build from in the future,” the chief noted. “There’s some firefighters that have a lot of training that will be leaders in the future and continue the tradition that the fire department’s been over the years.”

Nearly all department members – 36 of 38 – hold medical certifications as paramedics, EMTs, or first responders, allowing them to provide critical care until ambulance services arrive.

The department’s Lucas automated CPR devices have proven particularly valuable. Last year, the devices were used eight times with six successful saves. The units were deployed twice just last week, with one successful outcome, and have been used three times so far this year.

The devices were acquired through community support. The Dubois County Leadership Academy raised funds to purchase one for each fire department in the county, while local residents Kevin and Bev Messmer donated an additional unit after challenging the city to match their contribution. This means Jasper has three of the valuable lifesaving units.

Community donations have also funded other critical equipment, including 19 P25 radios valued at $1,900 each for single-band models and $3,100 each for dual-band officer units.

“The radio traffic was clear and concise, and there’s never a question about any kind of communication,” the chief said, referencing a recent house fire on 13th Street. “They work extremely well.”

Donated funds also enabled the purchase of a battery-operated combination extrication tool that functions as both a cutter and spreader. Unlike the department’s current hydraulic equipment that must remain connected to trucks, this portable unit can be carried anywhere it’s needed.

The department recently completed several facility improvements, including painting all three fire stations and installing security cameras at two locations. Plans for 2025 include replacing the roof at the Holy Family fire station.

Looking ahead, the department has completed the specifications for a new tower truck, with an estimated cost of $2.1 million and a three-year construction time. The current tower remains fully functional and certified.

The department recently implemented a new smartphone application called “I Am Responding” that allows firefighters to indicate when they’re responding to calls. The system provides mapping and driving directions while allowing dispatchers to track responders’ locations.

“They can see how close you are to arriving on scene. They can let the caller know someone is really close or only a couple blocks away,” the chief explained.

Four new firefighters joined the department last year: Adam Bower, Austin Schmidt, Trace Weidenbenner, and Chase Spears. They are currently completing their firefighter training, with two having already finished their medical training.

The department received positive results from its recent Insurance Services Office (ISO) audit, narrowly missing a Class 3 rating by just 0.41 percent.

“That really speaks volumes for our fire and our water and our dispatch, because we were extremely close and we know next time we’ll be at three, which is unheard of in volunteer fire department,” the chief said.

The department will host the Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association District 18 parade on October 12 at 1 p.m., starting and ending at the Thyen-Clark Cultural Center. The event recognizes the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and includes activities for schoolchildren throughout the week leading up to the parade and a queen contest.

It’s the first time Jasper has hosted the parade since 1994.