By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
Mayor Charles Ward has formally appointed Jason Maertens to serve as Ozark’s new Director of the Department of Public Safety, a role Ward previously held. Ward also confirmed Maertens as the city’s fire chief. Maertens was sworn in on November 19, surrounded by family, friends, and supporters.
The Dale County Chronicle spoke with Maertens shortly after his appointment to discuss his new responsibilities and his long service to the community.
Reflecting on being chosen to lead the Department of Public Safety while continuing as fire chief, Maertens said, “The Director part…it was an honor to be chosen, and I was also excited to be officially appointed Fire Chief.”
Throughout the conversation, Maertens consistently credited his team. “They deserve all the credit. I couldn’t do this without their hard work and dedication,” he said.
Even if he avoids calling himself a hero, Maertens’ nearly 25 years with the Ozark Fire Department demonstrate his commitment to the city. His firefighting career began in Eufaula, where the Eufaula Fire Department sent him to the recruit school in Ozark—an experience that changed the direction of his life. “When I went to recruit school in Ozark, I loved it, and I’ve been here ever since,” he said with a chuckle.
Over the years, Maertens has served in every position within the department. He began as a firefighter in 2001, later became a firefighter-paramedic, and moved up the ranks as lieutenant in 2007, captain in 2011, and operations chief in 2015. He held that role for eight years before assuming the duties of fire chief in late 2023.
“It taught me all of the admin side of things,” Maertens said of his operations chief role. He added that working in every position gave him valuable insight into how the department functions, emphasizing that every member of the team plays a vital role.
Outside of work, Maertens devotes most of his time to his family. “All three of them play sports,” he said of his sons. “I coach two basketball teams and, during football season, I coach two football teams, so my time outside of work is full with my boys…and they are ages 5-13,” he added with a laugh.
Maertens said his inspiration to become a firefighter began in childhood. “When I was young, I had a friend whose father, Robert Herring, Sr., was the fire chief in Faydette. He saw something in me, I guess, and he continued to try to recruit me for a while before I finally decided to become a firefighter.”
Looking toward the future, Maertens said he is focused on providing his team with the resources they need. “In 2023, I brought all of the personnel in and asked them what they needed to make their jobs easier, and they chose a second set of turnout gear,” he explained, noting that few departments have that advantage.
He highlighted several major equipment upgrades: “We have got a new ladder truck, two new firetrucks, one is already in service and the other will be soon. We are replacing a 97 that we will also put in service. We got a new cascade machine, which is what fills up our air bottles. We also have all new extrication equipment, all new hoses, and every bit of it is brand new.” These improvements, he said, help ensure firefighters can work both safely and effectively.
Maertens also plans to expand the organizational chart as Ozark grows, with added ranks for EMS personnel.
Strengthening cooperation with the police department is another priority. He hopes to increase joint training and coordination. “Michael Bryan is the police chief, and he is great and knows what he is doing. My job is to support him, and working on training together will make us the best organized team for better mitigation,” Maertens said. “We’re going to come together and unify.”
During the December 1 Ozark City Council meeting, Mayor Ward spoke about his decision to appoint Maertens. “I appointed him because he is a good fit for the job. He has a great work ethic, and I think he is ready for that level,” Ward said. Having worked closely with Maertens during his own tenure leading the department, Ward said Maertens had proven himself time and again.
“He works hard for the Fire Department and for Ozark, and I look forward to seeing what he is going to continue to do for this great city,” Ward added.
Director of Public Safety and Fire Chief Jason Maertens, left, is joined by Ozark Mayor Charles Ward follwing his swearing in ceremony on November 19, 2025.
Maertens earlier in his career as a firefighter in 2005. Photo courtesy of Director Maertens.
