The Alaska Fire Service has lost a good friend. The recent cargo plane crash in Denali killed our friend John Eshleman, who was building the Fallen Firefighter Memorial. John was the owner of Steppers Construction in Wasilla, and when asked last year for some advice on building the Memorial he simply said, "I will do it". That is what he was like.
Two months ago John and his crew at Steppers began working on the Memorial, and have been working through to the projected completion date in September. This project has now become a labor of love for the crew at Steppers, and although they realize that it is a Memorial dedicated to Alaska’s firefighters, it is now also, a Memorial being erected in John’s memory. Their commitment to this project has been unwavering. Even the day immediately following his death, crews from Steppers were on site with the Memorial.
To all who knew him, John was a larger than life individual. Although he was not a firefighter nor had ever been one, he had a passion for the emergency services; police fire and EMS. His company has assisted with many public safety causes. John and Steppers built the Trooper Heck Memorial on the Glenn Highway near Gunsight Mountain, that honors the death of Trooper Bruce Heck.
For the Fallen Firefighter Memorial, John’s commitment originally was for all the labor, equipment, and manpower. But as many of these projects progress the resources needed continue to expand. The staff at Steppers, understanding John’s desire to construct this Memorial have undertaken tasks far beyond what was originally offered. After visiting the present construction site of the Memorial, one quickly understands the scope of the project, and that without John and the crew at Steppers the Memorial would not exist.
John’s memory will be with many of us for a long time, but his memory will always be present and live at the Memorial. Although this site is dedicated to those firefighters that have lost their lives in the line of duty, it will also now exist as a fitting tribute and a place of remembrance for John Eshleman.
John is survived by his wife Barbara, who is now managing Steppers Construction; and four children.
It is anticipated that a special awards event will be held at this years Firefighters and Fire Chiefs Conference in Seward.
As the folks at Steppers continue to work on the Memorial, and continue to grieve their loss, it is fitting that we all remember them, and take a moment to either send them a card or a note thanking them for all their help on the Memorial.
The address is:
Steppers Construction
6382 Beechcraft Road
Wasilla, Alaska 99654