Steve Ashing & River Join EMA Staff

Join us in extending a warm welcome to Steve Ashing, our new Deputy Director at Jasper County Emergency Management, along with his incredible Crisis Canine companion, River!

With an impressive 17-year tenure at the Newton Fire Department, Steve has served in various capacities, starting as a Firefighter, then progressing to Paramedic, and ultimately assuming the role of Crew Captain for the past 9 years. Additionally, Steve has dedicated his talents as a Reserve Deputy Paramedic for the Jasper County Sheriff's Office, where he played a pivotal role in developing the Sheriff’s Office Advanced Life Support EMS program.

Steve's commitment to community extends beyond his professional roles, as evidenced by his involvement as a board member for Crisis Canines of the Midlands and as a Jasper County D.A.C.S. peer support team member. His journey in public service began as a volunteer firefighter for the Grinnell Fire Department.

River, a remarkable one-year-old German Shepherd trained as a therapy dog, is accompanying Steve to the EMA office. River has been instrumental in supporting first responders and the public.

Let's give a big round of applause to Steve and River as they embark on this new chapter of service to our community!