John Bradford Glaser was born October 7‚ 1976‚ in Kansas City‚ Missouri‚ to Arvon and Patty Glaser. He was a 1995 graduate of Blue Valley Northwest High School in Overland Park‚ Kansas. John earned his BA degree in 2000 from the University of Kansas‚ where he was a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.

On June 21‚ 2004‚ John began his career as a firefighter with the City of Shawnee Fire Department. He was a member of the water rescue team‚ where he achieved his certification as a Swift Water Rescue I swimmer and ice rescue technician. John was also a member of the hazardous materials team‚ where he achieved his certification as a hazardous materials technician and in chemistry of hazardous materials. John achieved the level of Firefighter III.

John met his future wife‚ Amber‚ in high school‚ and they were later married on August 27‚ 2005‚ in Lawrence‚ Kansas. John and Amber had two children. Brecken Joseph was born October 18‚ 2007‚ and Emma Grace was born December 10‚ 2009.

John was an all-American guy. He loved his family and friends‚ watching sports‚ and competing in triathlons. He was an avid Kansas Jayhawks fan. He was a man of character; he was funny‚ smart‚ and full of life. John could walk into a room full of complete strangers and leave with lifelong friends. Above all‚ John was an amazing husband and father to Brecken and Emma. In the 33 years he was here‚ John touched so many lives and inspired each of us to be a better person.

John died on Saturday‚ May 22‚ 2010‚ in the line of duty‚ while attempting a rescue in a structure fire. Although John is not with us today‚ he’s forever in our hearts.