John grew up in southern California enjoying the beach and mountains. He enjoyed every outdoor activity that California had to offer. Hiking, fishing, climbing, whitewater rafting, mountain biking. During his Army enlistment the love of the mountains grew while stationed in Colorado and Germany. After the Army he returned home to finish school and start a family. While rock climbing in the San Bernardino Mountains he ran into the local SAR team practicing rope skills. That encounter started the passion for rescue. He joined the San Bernardino County Sheriff Wrightwood team. After a couple years on that team John and his wife decided to move the family to Salt Lake. Still having the rescue bug he joined SLCOSAR and 20 years later and two teams is still running out the door for rescues.