At the age of 19, John fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming a firefighter. Over the span of his 32-year career, John worked in many areas of the Orange County Fire Department and, later, the Orange County Fire Authority, but his true love of firefighting was realized when he transferred to John Wayne Airport and combined his love of airplanes and firefighting. John was often envied by his coworkers as "the guy who flew to work," leaving his home in Big Bear City and taxiing almost to the front door of his station. He will be remembered for his quick wit, sense of humor and love of flying. John leaves behind his wife Kam, and his two sons, Hayden and Benjamin. John died in 2013 after a lengthy battle with job-related cancer.