Jasper County Approves De-Escalation Training and Semi Tractor Purchase

County employees to receive conflict management training, new semi tractor acquired

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The Jasper County Board of Supervisors has approved de-escalation training for approximately 60 county employees as well as the purchase of a used semi tractor. The training, expected to cost under $1,100 plus materials, will be provided by an outside instructor and is aimed at equipping staff who may face potential conflicts in their roles. Additionally, the supervisors approved the acquisition of a Peterbilt semi tractor from Diamond Trail Sales in Monroe, Iowa, selecting the highest-priced unit with the second-lowest mileage and most powerful engine among the options presented.

Why it matters

The de-escalation training demonstrates Jasper County's commitment to providing its employees with the tools and skills needed to effectively manage conflicts and potentially volatile situations. The semi tractor purchase will support the county's transportation and infrastructure needs, replacing an older vehicle in the fleet.

The details

Jasper County Human Resources Director Dennis Simon stated that around 60 county employees across various departments, including Planning and Zoning and Veterans Affairs, will participate in the two-to-three-hour de-escalation training course on March 19th. The training will be provided by an instructor from Boone, Iowa, at a cost not exceeding $1,100 plus materials. Meanwhile, Jasper County Engineer Mike Frietsch presented the supervisors with five quotes for used semi-tractors, ranging from $31,900 to $47,050. The supervisors approved the purchase of the highest-priced unit, a Peterbilt tractor from Diamond Trail Sales in Monroe, which had the second-lowest mileage and the most powerful engine among the options.

  • The de-escalation training is scheduled for March 19, 2026.
  • The Jasper County Board of Supervisors approved the purchases during their regular meeting on Tuesday, March 11, 2026.

The players

Dennis Simon

Jasper County Human Resources Director, who expects around 60 county employees to participate in the de-escalation training.

Mike Frietsch

Jasper County Engineer, who presented the supervisors with quotes for used semi-tractors and recommended the purchase of the Peterbilt tractor from Diamond Trail Sales.

Diamond Trail Sales Incorporated

A Monroe, Iowa-based company that sold the Peterbilt semi tractor to Jasper County.

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What they’re saying

“That have a potential for conflicts. Planning and Zoning is sending all their employees, Veterans Affairs is going to attend. I offered it to the different elected officials. I am going to attend. Just another tool in the arsenal to deal with conflicts.”

— Dennis Simon, Jasper County Human Resources Director (kniakrls.com)

What’s next

The de-escalation training for Jasper County employees is scheduled to take place on March 19, 2026.

The takeaway

Jasper County is proactively investing in its workforce by providing de-escalation training to help employees better manage conflicts and volatile situations, while also upgrading its transportation infrastructure with the purchase of a new semi tractor to support the county's operations.