Submitted by his mother

John Self was a firefighter on Engine 11. He loved his work as a firefighter‚ especially the comradeship among his fellow firefighters. This was his second year as a wildland firefighter.

John‚ or ‘Cowboy‚’ was noted for his engaging smile‚ hard-working ethic‚ and leadership skills. Hunting‚ fishing‚ welding‚ horseback riding‚ football‚ and roping were high on his list of hobbies. Countless examples demonstrating his leadership qualities included Westwood High School Football Team Captain and attaining ‘All League’ status in the Feather River High School Football League for his ability as a quarterback and linebacker. Wrestling‚ baseball‚ pitching horseshoes and high school rodeo team as a roper and bareback bronc rider also interested him.

While he was noted for his prowess in sports‚ he also won awards for other talents. During Westwood’s annual Paul Bunyan Festival‚ Cowboy placed in the two-man handsaw and choker setting events. He received the prestigious ‘Lumberjack of the Year Award‚’ where the local merchants don winners with much recognition and a bundle of amenities.

Cowboy consistently made the Westwood High School Honor Roll. He also found time to take college classes three nights a week and maintain a 4.0 gpa. He also umpired 75% of the little league games ‚ and coached Powder Puff teams. He further shared his love and knowledge of sports as a school newspaper sports reporter.

Cowboy’s supervisors‚ Jack and Lisa Medici‚ at Medici Logging Company‚ described him as‚ ‘incredibly hard working and full of surprises and he will be very much missed.’

As a firefighter for the Lassen National Forest’s Almanor Ranger District‚ he is remembered for his unwavering support of co-workers and his helpful attitude. In his first season as a firefighter‚ he received a commendation for a job well done and beyond his duties‚ by his captain and chief.

During the July 30th memorial‚ in his honor‚ held on the Westwood High School Football Field‚ it was overwhelmingly obvious by the testimonials that Cowboy impacted many lives during the years he lived in the community. Cowboy’s football and baseball coaches gave him high tribute by officially retiring the number 22‚ which was Cowboy’s jersey number.

John is survived by his mother‚ Eugenia‚ currently living in Westwood‚ California‚ his father‚ Johnny‚ currently residing in El Paso‚ Texas‚ and his sister‚ Samantha‚ a Lieutenant in the United States Army. All surviving family members are originally from Winona‚ Mississippi.