Retired Barstow Fire Captain John McNelis has died
Many that knew Cpt. John McNelis described the retired Barstow Fire District leader as a dedicated man who loved his family and the community he served.
McNelis was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away peacefully on Wednesday, according to Barstow Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 2325.
Captain McNelis is survived by his wife, Barbara, three children and four grandchildren, his family told the Daily Press.
“John was an amazing individual who dedicated his life to serving others, many of those years spent here in the city of Barstow,” a union representative said.
Barstow Fire first hired McNelis in March 2005 as a firefighter/paramedic. He would later serve as a paramedic instructor for the Victor Valley College EMS Academy.
A “job-related cancer” would force McNelis to retire
McNelis, unfortunately, lost his battle with cancer, an online VVC EMS Academy post said. He wore many hats and impacted so many lives. He served as a Barstow FD Captain, paramedic preceptor and VVC instructor.
A memorial service for Cpt. John McNelis has not been announced.
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227 or RDeLaCruz@VVVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Retired Barstow Fire Captain John McNelis has died of cancer
