Jasper names two new assistant fire chiefs

Mike Steurer and Josh Dooley were named as assistant fire chiefs for the Jasper Volunteer Fire Department today at the Jasper Public Works meeting.

With Assistant Chief Chris Berg retiring, the department decided to promote the two into the position.

“We felt it would be good to bring in the veteran leadership offered by Mike and also bring up someone younger to prepare for the future,” Chief Kenny Hochgesang said.

An assistant chief handles the responsibilities of the fire chief when he is not available. On scenes, they provide leadership during the response and ensure firefighters remain safe. They also assist with investigations after the fire.

Steurer has been a member of the fire department for 30 years and is a manager at the Jasper Desk plant about two blocks from the fire department on Sixth Street. Many times, he is one of right behind Hochgesang in the fire house when a call comes in.

“I enjoy it and it’s my way of helping people. I’ve wanted to be a fireman since I was this tall,” he explained waving his hand about knee-high.

Dooley, a five-year veteran of the department, works at National Office and is U.S. Army veteran. “I am very proud to continue and build on the tradition of the Jasper Fire Department and I am thrilled at this opportunity,” he told the board.

Dooley explained the position on the fire department fulfills his need to serve. “I had to leave the military early for family reasons,” the Iraq veteran explained. “I felt it was early and I had a lot of meat on the bone and wanted to do more. This is a golden opportunity to do just that.”

Dooley joined the department soon after returning home by walking in and asking how he could help.

“Both of these men are outstanding individuals and this is a good move for the department,” Hochgesang said.

The new designations are effective September 2, 2017.

After Berg retires, the department will be four members short of being fully staffed.