In addition to the founding principal, James Steffens, and Lisa Hart, the current CEO, The JTS Association maintains an active affiliation with a team of practicing fire service professionals from throughout the country. It is important to note that this cadre of associates includes a wide range of fire service professionals with specialized experience in developing and conducting the range of services provided by The JTS Association.

Whenever The JTS Association is contemplating the undertaking a program or project, a team of associates is identified and selected in order to bring the essential educational and experiential backgrounds to bear on the proposed project / program.

A brief summary of the background and qualifications of several of these key individuals is provided for review. Upon request, the names and detailed resumes of any of the associates can be provided.

BARRY ASHMAN
Senior Associate

Chief Ashman started his fire service career in 1983 as a volunteer firefighter He was hired full time in 1985 and has risen through the ranks to Battalion Chief. Barry currently holds a BAS Degree Public Safety Administration and a Masters Degree in Arts, as well as an Administration Degree from Edison State College in Ft Myers, Florida.

Barry holds a variety of state certifications from Florida including Fire Service Instructor III, Inspector, EMT, Incident Safety Officer and USAR Type 4 Operations level. Chief Ashman has appeared in several videos for Working Fire from April 1997-1999, showcasing some intricate details for drafting water with a Fire Apparatus. He is considered a Subject Matter Expert (SME) by his peers in a multitude of fire service topics.

Barry became affiliated with the organization is 2004 and has served in a variety of positions including facilitator, role player, and assessor. He has recently retired after a long and outstanding career with the Iona McGregor Fire rescue District located in Lee County, Florida.

MIGUEL. GARCIA
Senior Associate

Chief Garcia has been affiliated with JTS since 2000 and has brought a set of competencies to the firm that complement the other staff members. Miguel has over 20 years of fire service experience and currently serves as a Battalion Chief for the Sarasota County Fire. Rescue Department. Miguel holds an AA degree, a Bachelor’s degree and is completing a Master’s Degree. He holds numerous fire and EMS certifications, including paramedic, and is an Adjunct Instructor for the A.S. Fire Science Program at the State College of Florida as well as an EMS Adjunct Instructor for the Suncoast Technical College.

Miguel has functioned with JTS in a variety of positions including as a role player, operational scenario facilitator, assessor, and written examination specialist.

Richard McGinley
Associate

Richard has over 11 years of fire service experience. He currently serves as a senior firefighter for a fire rescue agency in the west central region of Florida. For the past five years Rich has been qualified as an Acting Officer in Charge. Rich is an EMT and holds Fire Officer and Haz Mat Technician certifications. He maintains currency in the profession by attending regional and national fire service programs and conferences.

Rich has worked with JTS for several years as an operations scenario expert as well as a role player in interpersonal activity elements of officer assessments.

Justin Sperko
Associate

Fire Officer Sperko has seventeen (17) years as a career firefighter with a fire district in west central Florida. He was promoted to company officer (Lieutenant) five years ago and also serves as a Field Training Officer for his department. Justin holds an AS degree in Fire Science. Fire Officer Sperko holds Florida certifications as an EMT, Pump Operator, Fire Instructor, Fire Inspector, Fire Investigator, Safety Officer, and Fire Officer.

Justin has worked with the firm for several years in a variety of roles including role player and EVOC driving evaluator. He is also a certified assessor with the firm.