For Jason Turner, firefighting is all he ever wanted to do.
Turner, division chief of prevention and public information for the Jefferson City Fire Department, is one of two candidates being considered by City Administrator Steve Crowell for the fire chief position, which has been vacant since former Chief Bob Rennick retired in March 2013. For the past 16 months, Turner has held the chief position in the interim, and he believes he is ready for the full-time job.
Turner's father was the fire chief in his hometown of Bismarck, Mo., which spurred Turner's interest in the field. His grandfather also served as a firefighter in Bismarck, making Turner a third-generation firefighter.
"I was raised in the fire station," Turner said. "It's the only thing I ever, ever wanted to do."
One of Turner's favorite memories associated with firefighting is simply working with his dad in the same department. But the best moment, he said, is when his son decided to follow the same path.
"I begged him to do something different, and he didn't listen," Turner said with a laugh. "He's doing a great job."
When it comes to the Jefferson City Fire Department, Turner said the most unique aspect of the department is the commitment and dedication of those who serve.
"I think that's probably what sticks out to me as unique," Turner said.
Turner said the main priority of the department should be putting together a vision that's reflective of the community it serves.
"We've got to get the community involved," Turner said. "One person's vision is not going to be a success."
Turner said everyone from staff to residents needs to be involved in crafting a vision for where the department needs to go and that's going to mean engaging all different groups and asking what they expect from the department.
Turner said if he's appointed to the fire chief position, he has a list of things he would like the department to focus on to allow for a priority of serving customers, or community members.
The biggest issue he sees facing the department is the continual financial struggles of the city and department. Turner said he has an advantage from being in the department's administration for 17 years and being familiar with working in City Hall.
Turner describes himself as a caring man who listens carefully to people. He said the new fire chief will need to be ready to make tough decisions, and he is willing and ready to make those decisions.
In his spare time, Turner said he focuses on his passion for Harley Davidson motorcycles.
"That is my therapy, when I have time," Turner said. "It's something me and my wife both enjoy doing."
Profile: Jason Turner
Age: 45
Hometown: Bismarck, Mo.
Family: Wife; son (a firefighter in the Springfield area) and daughter, a junior at Jefferson City High School
Education: Attended St. Louis Community College and Ozark Technical College; is currently attending Waldorf College to earn a bachelor's in fire science administration. (Turner has earned 58 credits of the needed 120 credits to earn his degree.)
Years with JCFD: 17 years
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