Jason Von Eschen has been a volunteer firefighter for the Wagner Fire Department since 2010. What drew Jason to wanting to become a firefighter were the people that were on the Wagner Fire Department at the time. Not only were they a great group of people, but they were all people that Jason looked up to, not only as firefighters but as members of the Wagner community.

As a firefighter, Jason feels that there are some important qualities that a firefighter should possess. These qualities include the ability to be a good teammate, especially while under pressure; have good problem-solving strategies and abilities; and the adaptability to change to whatever the fluctuating environment presents. In Jason’s opinion, the most important duty of a volunteer firefighter is the ability and desire to respond to community emergencies when the time arises.

Jason served as an officer including Secretary/Treasurer, Assistant Chief, and Chief from 2017-2021. He has taken the Firefighter 1 and 2 training courses, attended multiple SD State Fire Schools and takes part in the monthly meeting trainings. As a Wagner Volunteer Firefighter, Jason participates in monthly meetings, fire prevention activities at the Wagner Early Learning Center, and takes part in area fire department’s water fights. One thing that people may not know about being a firefighter is the amount of time that it takes to become certified. It takes approximately 120 hours of training to complete the required Firefighter 1 and 2 classes.

Jason is an active member of the Wagner community besides his involvement with the Wagner Fire Department. He serves on the Memorial of the Armed Services Board, volunteers for the Wagner Community cleanup day, is a member of the Wagner United Methodist Church and is a Charles-Mix County Emergency Dive Team member. Being a firefighter has greatly influenced Jason’s life. As he has had to give up family time for fire and emergency calls, it has helped him appreciate the time he does have with his family even more. Jason is married to his wife, Amber. The couple have three children Lauren (11), Kendall (8) and Jase (5). Jason is the owner and an operator of Von Eschen Lawn and Landscape. In his free time, Jason enjoys spending time with his friends and family as well as going camping and boating and having movie nights.

Thank you, Jason, for your service and dedication to the Wagner community.