John Walton Withers

Dad, today would have been your 68th birthday, and I find myself, naturally, coming back here, to read all the beautiful messages from so many people you worked with, trained, even hunted, fished or had other various adventures with. I was just a kid during most of your truly ground-breaking (as many have noted) and amazing work as the first HSO for the AFD. I do remember you talking to me about it, however, even as ignorant, young and naive as I was, telling me how tough it was, because even...

I got an email reminder today about the anniversary of J Dub's death. Ironically last Sunday was the annual retiree's dinner where I found myself reflecting on John and Denise and wishing that they could have both been there. I worked most closely, often daily, with John when he was the HSO. We were collectively engaged in dragging the AFD into the 21st century.The AFD continues this world class legacy and the fine hand of J Dub can be felt there everywhere.

John you kept me in line as a young Captain and would remind me every time my engine drove by your office without our headsets on that I better get it together. John was a fire department Health and Safety Officer and among one of the first ones in the US. You will be missed and the world is short one good man!!

There are very few of us still on the AFD who worked with Withers. I recall his nickname and the "weasel" reminded me of those times. Far different from today. I worked with John and I have thought about him from time to time. I hope his retirement years were all he hoped for. Greg G

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

My dear friend JW I will always remember the hunting,fishing,snowmachining and cabin building trips we experienced. It was a great time on Engine 5 with never a dull moment!! Rest in Peace Brother.

John was great AFD family. I've tried to locate and check in with him a few times in the past...sorry I didn't connect as he was one of the good guys. Had the distinct pleasure of working at Fightin' Five with J Dub. Spent a lot of time bouncing balls off the wall there with Jakari paddles when he introduced us to Jakari. Working Spenard was active and sometimes eery...John had our backs more than once on some pretty rough responses...won't ever forget him...he was one that made AFD real...

Denise: I am so sorry to read of John's passing. Your husband was a good fireman; father and a friend you could rely on.

Kimberly and Jenny: Oh little girls, you are your father. Comfort your mom and carry on.

John's pal, Jim

I had the opportunity to work with John for many years. As others have noted, his impact as the Safety Officer and then Health and Safety Officer were near ground-breaking. And even though he would read directly from the Federal Regulations during his training sessions, his heart was always in the right place as he tried to keep all of his co-workers and others, safe. I was truly stunned to learn of his passing. He will be missed. May his family receive some level of peace in knowing what he...