Jason Roberts joined Hartford Area Fire and Rescue in November 2008. When he is not volunteering his time at HAFR, Roberts is an installation/repair technician for Interstate Telecommunications, where he has been for the past 16 years. (Photo/Submitted)

Sara Stadem | Editor

Before joining the Hartford Area Fire and Rescue (HAFR) in November 2008, Jason Roberts was more than familiar with a fire station thanks to his dad. Roberts grew up in Highmore where his dad was a firefighter and EMT for 31 years. “I spent a lot of time helping at the fire station and knew that helping a community and the people was what I wanted to do,” Roberts explained.
After moving to Hartford in the fall of 2007, Roberts remembers hearing the sirens often and knowing it was the time to join the team. New to the area, Roberts explained it took some time for him to figure out how to get on the department and took a while to build up the courage to find the right people to speak with about joining. “Finally, I was able to get in contact with Chief Kelly Boysen and we visited for a while and then he handed me an application. The rest is history,” Roberts said.
Since joining, Roberts has received several certifications which include Firefighter I and II in 2009, EMT-B in 2010 and in 2013 he became a Fire Instructor I. Roberts also became a Company Fire Officer I in 2017.
While being a part of HAFR, Roberts has also spent time holding positions in office which consisted of 2nd Assistant Fire Chief in 2013 and Secretary in 2015.
Roberts and his wife, Lacey, have two daughters; Brooklyn Claire (12) and Aylah Grace (10). Lacey attends the SDSU nursing program and is currently the Bone Marrow Transplant Director at Avera McKennan. Brooklyn is active in fast pitch softball, volleyball, basketball, One Act Play and band while Aylah is busy with volleyball, soccer and Student Council.
For the past 16 years, Roberts has been an installation/repair technician for Interstate Telecommunications where he installs internet, TV and phone services to the residents and businesses of the communities of Chester, Wentworth, Nunda and Sinai.
When Roberts has free time, you can find him outdoors, enjoying hunting, fishing and golfing. Roberts also enjoys time with his friends and family but most important, Roberts said he loves to cook, just no baking!