Who Protects You?

Continuing in a series where I’d like you to get to know the volunteers and career personnel who protect Jasper County, next up is Steve Milligan.

Steve has been with Jasper County Fire Rescue since 2007 after moving here from Newton County. For the past 11 years he has served Station 1‘s territory by Jackson Lake and currently serves as Battalion Chief 1. He has been awarded Officer of the Year and commended for responding to the most calls.

Jasper is a very large county and he is often seen all across the county at all hours of the day or night responding to calls for help.

Steve comes from a firefighting family as his dad served at Rocky Plains Fire Department in Newton; so as soon as he could, at the age of 14 he joined the fire department as an Explorer. He worked his way through the ranks to Chief of their department before moving to Monticello.

Steve works as a groundsman at Lawnwood Memorial Park in Covington; and has continued the family tradition of service to the community as both his wife Crystal and 17-yr old step-son Michael also serve on the fire department. He also has a 25-yr old step-daughter Nichole Wilson.

Steve said that what he loves about the fire service is that every day is different and knowing that the skills he has learned truly make a difference in people’s lives. He wants his community to know that the volunteers who respond to the emergency calls are truly dedicated to serving.

Steve is an integral part of this department as I am pretty sure he is on calls or at the station more than he is at home. His willingness to do whatever is needed is proof of his dedication to this community. Thank you Steve for all you do for this department!

While interviewing Steve he noted what we’ve been saying for a while now,…we need YOU! We need volunteers! Please consider serving your community in this way!