Born in August 1885, John P. Fifely was hired by the Stockton Fire Department in 1919. While battling a structural blaze in July 1929, known as the "Peffer Fire", John suffered severe smoke inhalation. As a result, he contracted bronchopneumonia and died one year later. He was 44 years old. In a newspaper article printed at the time, Stockton Fire Chief M.D Murphy described him as "the best fireman" the department ever had and that his passing was deeply mourned by his colleagues. Upon his death, John left behind his beloved wife, Helen, who is now deceased