John Leivas exemplifies dedication, bravery, and an extraordinary commitment to serving others. With 27 years at the Mesa Fire Department, including 15 as a paramedic, John is known for his tireless work ethic and immense compassion. He has dedicated countless hours to instructing and mentoring others, teaching CPR, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) courses, live fire training, and self-survival skills. He also played a pivotal role in creating realistic training simulations and testing new firefighting equipment and practices, ensuring the safety and preparedness of his colleagues and community.
Beyond his professional contributions, John’s personal life is equally inspiring. Drawing from his experience growing up in an Arizona children’s home, he and his wife, Kimberly, have opened their hearts and home to children in need. They are foster parents to hard-to-place children, recently adopted two girls, and are in the process of adopting three more, bringing their family total to 12 children. John’s relentless dedication to both his profession and his family embodies the true spirit of a “Red Hot Firefighter Hero.”