John Usry, 69, born in Lake Butler, Florida. Joined the department in 1969 and retired as Captain from Sta.36 in 2004.

John lives on St. John’s Avenue (Avondale) in one of the historical homes. John loves to do lawn work and he does a lot of it. John manicures his lawn in a way that Better Homes and Gardens would be proud to feature. John is proud to tell and show you his home and handy work. John and wife, Paula have restored their home to pristine showcase condition.

John worked all three of the big petroleum tank fires. John said his most memorable fire was the Colonial Tank Fire on East Adams as a rookie at Sta. 8. John recalls having to wade thru the gasoline and all of the firefighters developing a severe rash from the exposure.

John tells the story that as Captain at Sta. 28 and the Sta. 36 he always done his share of the yard work on Saturdays. Todd Buchannan was his engineer at Sta. 28 and then later was the Lt. on Engine 36. and John was Captain on Squad 36. John says that Todd hated to do yard work and it was up to the CAPTAIN to do the job of TWO people...himself and his Lt. Todd Buchannan.

	John lives at 3420 St. John’s Avenue.  John says we should have called ahead of time so he could get his yard cleaned and mowed!!  Hey John, what size ladder do you use  to trim the trees by your front door.?
	This is John’s collection of fire memorabilia in the space allowed him by Paula.  John stated that his collection will be inherited by his best friend, Todd Buchannan.
	John’s only statement about his beautiful pool was that he wished he could pick it up and put it in someone else’s yard. John did admit he enjoys the depth of  8 ft. with a seat all the way around it for conversation and enjoying a cool one with good friends.