Dear Lisa, we shared some Christmas dinners with the families at #9 station. Our job was to keep up with John for all the station duties and frenetic training schedule needed for the Heavy Rescue. We had to maintain a humor level to balance the work load and he was a big part of our keeping that in our daily routine. My condolences to you and the boys and all the extended family. Doug Ward

I was blessed to work with Captain West. On and off from 1994 to his retirement. I was blessed to learn from him to develop me into the officer I became.

I will forever be grateful for his help.

Rest in Peace my brother.

Captain West was a joy to work with. My condolences to his family on his early passing. I enjoyed the years I worked with him at 16 STN. He was professional, hardworking and welcoming to all. He genuinely cared for the people he worked with.

Deepest condolences to all family & friends. I worked with John at #16 Station and we were both medical field trainers together. A very competent individual who will be greatly missed.

My deepest sympathy to your family. Ken and I spent a lot of time with John. He was a great husband and father.

I do have to admit he drove fast. lol.

There unfortunately are many firefighters I’m sure were there to meet him when he got to heaven.

May the memories you shared bring you smiles and even laughter. He will always be with you when you look at your children and grandchildren.

Faye Husch and Family

Firefighters are not heroes because of what they do, they are heroes for what they may be called to do. John is a hero. He lost his life due to exposure to dangerous toxins he was subjected to throughout his career. We were best friends from the time we met in class 1 of 1977. He would give you the shirt off his back and work with you for as long as it took to help complete a task. Mention a warm home cooked meal at the end of it and his presence was guaranteed. He was caring, loving, honest, intelligent and very physically fit. A very capable person in everything he did from firefighting to husband to fatherhood and an amazing friend. He will be missed beyond comprehension.

To Lisa, John, Scott, Tyler and the extended family. Please accept our deepest condolences and know that Pam and I are devastated to hear of Johns passing. One of the finest men that we have had the privilege to meet and personally, I will always cherish the time we spent together as members of our little local fire brigade, as well as snowmobiling, fishing and riding the trails. To you all, please take some comfort in knowing that your husband and father was a man amongst men, who loved and was loved and willingly shared his life with the greater community in a way that few can. God Bless, Rick and Pam.