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Mountain View News Saturday, July 20, 2024

SIERRA MADRE NEWS

REMEMBRANCE:

GET TO KNOW YOUR PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICERSGET TO KNOW YOUR PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICERS


JANICE “JAN” ERIKSSON

Janice Eloise Eriksson, known 
affectionately as Jan, passed away at the 
age of 96 on July 14, 2024, in Arcadia, 
California. 

Born on February 25, 1928, in Lincoln, 
Nebraska, Jan’s early years were marked 
by the resilience and ingenuity instilled 
during the Great Depression. Her family 
relocated to Southern California as World 
War II drew to a close, setting the stage for 
a lifetime of achievement and service.

Jan attended Woodbury College and 
Pasadena Junior College, where she met her 
future husband, Bob Eriksson. The couple 
married in 1949, and Jan worked diligently 
to support Bob through his Landscape 
Architecture studies at USC. Once their 
children were born, Jan dedicated herserlf to a lifelong career of volunteering, 
impacting numerous organizations such as the Children’s Home Society, Assistance 
League of Arcadia, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, The LA Arboretum, the 1984 
Olympics, and the Creative Arts Group with her leadership and generosity.

Known for her elegance, industrious nature, kindness, and creativity, Jan maintained 
a beautiful home and enjoyed hosting dinner parties and playing bridge with many 
lifelong friends. She loved to travel with an extensive trip to visit gardens in England 
her all-time favorite trip. She cherished the companionship of her husband, Bob, 
with whom she celebrated 75 years of marriage in January.

Jan is survived by her loving husband, Bob; children, Erik Eriksson, Nord Eriksson 
(Cynthia), and Kristin Cheney (Rich); grandchildren, Katie Leuer (Mike), Meghan 
Roche, Noah Eriksson, and Ian Eriksson; and great-grandson, Rowan Leuer. She 
was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin W. Cowell and Marjorie Barnes Cowell; 
brother, Wesley Cowell; and twin sister, Jane Cowell Filanc.

A private family celebration of Jan’s life will be held on July 27, 2024, in the garden 
of her family home. In lieu of flowers, Jan’s family would love for you to make a 
contribution to the Creative Arts Group in Sierra Madre, an organization she 
passionately supported. Jan’s legacy of service and love will continue to inspire all 
who knew her.

For the next several months Sierra Madre’s Police and Fire Departments will be running a weekly 
segment titled, “Get to Know Your Public Safety Officer” here in the Mountain View News. The purpose 
of this special segment will focus on our police and fire department employees and all of us to learn a 
little bit more about the men and women who serve our community

JESSICA “JJ” JOHNSON is one of the 
newest firefighters in the Sierra Madre 
Fire Department. She has been with the 
Fire Department since July 2023, when she 
started as a Volunteer Reserve Firefighter. 
She was given the opportunity for full-
time employment in December of 2023. 
JJ has quickly become a vital member 
of the department, bringing a sense of 
youthfulness and excitement across 
all ranks. This coming fall, she will be 
enrolled in the prestigious UCLA Center 
for Prehospital Care Paramedic Program, 
where she will learn advanced life-saving 
techniques, elevating her emergency 
medical knowledge and her ability to serve 
our community.

Why did you choose to work for the Sierra 
Madre Fire Department? I chose to work 
for the Sierra Madre Fire Department 
because of its strong sense of belonging, 
supportive work environment, and quality 
of life. The positive culture at SMFD 
significantly enhances my job satisfaction 
and overall well-being. The department’s 
family-oriented approach, both among 
fellow firefighters and with the community, 
fosters a strong sense of camaraderie and 
commitment to service, making everyone 
feel like they are part of something bigger.

What do you like best about your job? 

What I love most about my job is the 
opportunity to serve the community, my 
crew, and my family. The skills and experiences I gain as a firefighter, from teamwork to problem-solving 
under pressure, are not just invaluable, but also deeply fulfilling. They can be applied to many aspects 
of life, and I get to experience new things and help the people around me, which is a constant source of 
personal growth and inspiration.

What’s the biggest challenge of being a firefighter? 

Being a firefighter presents numerous challenges, yet it remains profoundly fulfilling. The primary hurdle 
I encounter is the separation from my family. Given our rigorous schedule, I dedicate a significant portion 
of my life—approximately one-third—to serving at the fire station rather than being at home with my 
loved ones. Consequently, I regretfully miss out on important moments. Nevertheless, at SMFD, we 
foster a family-centric environment, emphasizing a pleasant balance between professional duties and 
personal life. We encourage family visits whenever feasible, ensuring we uphold our commitment to our 
firefighting responsibilities and cherished relationships.

What got you interested in joining the Fire Department? 

Growing up, I thrived on the camaraderie of team sports and relished being pushed to my limits. While 
deeply interested in the medical field, being confined indoors didn’t fit my adventurous spirit. Encouraged 
by others, I pursued my EMT certification and worked alongside dedicated firefighters. Intrigued and 
fueled by excitement, I took a leap of faith. I joined the fire academy—and from the moment I started, 
every minute was a testament to my passion.

What is your favorite recreational activity? 

I love to go to the river with friends and family. I grew up spending most summers camping and spending 
the whole day on the water. Some of my best memories as a kid were in Havasu Lake or Laughlin, Nevada. 
I enjoy the thrill of water sports and the peacefulness of nature. It’s a great way for me to unwind and 
recharge, especially after a long week at work.

Do you own any pets? If so, what are their names? 

When I was 21, I welcomed Kona into my life. She is a spirited mix of Husky and Great Pyrenees. Since 
then, she has been my constant companion, full of energy, and invaluable in keeping me fit and ready for 
the challenges of my job.

Favorite place you frequent in Sierra Madre: 

“My Friends Café” serves up irresistible, delicious acai bowls.

What would be your favorite song? 

Anything by Zach Bryan

Name one thing unique about you that few people know about. 

I went to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where I received a scholarship to play women’s soccer.

What is your motto in life?

“Some of the best things in life are mistakes”


JESSICA 'JJ' JOHNSON

SIERRA MADRE CERT GENERAL MEETING

JULY 25 - 7pm

Hart Park House 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd.

“STEADY STATE DISASTER PREPARATION”

 PRESENTER: Caroline Brown

 The public is invited to hear this very important aspect of public safety following 
a disaster.

 Ms. Brown taught Public Health and Safety at Claremont High School where

she also developed a curriculum for a Hiking and Field Studies program.

 She was a founding member of the Sierra Madre Fire Safe Council and SMCERT 
and was an assistant leader with Sierra Club Basic Mountaineering Course. 

 Bring a clipboard and be prepared to take notes.

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listed for sale, this is not intended as a solicitation.
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