John Ferrante led a life of courage and bravery, not only in his fire service career but in his fight with job-related pancreatic cancer.  He began as a volunteer with the Port Chicago Volunteer Fire Department in 1964 and started his full-time career with the city of Pittsburgh Fire Department in 1973.  One of his life's proudest moments came when he was promoted to captain.  He earned the respect of his crews and was known for being a great leader, teacher, and problem solver.  He retired from Contra Costa Fire Department in 2002.