The Eaton Fire that ravaged Altadena in January 2025 destroyed over 9,400 homes and businesses. Among those was the home of LAFD Firefighter Paramedic / Fire Inspector II John Stuhlman and wife Monica.
The Stuhlmans were one of five families from the Los Angeles and Pasadena fire departments to receive a generous $200,000 check each from PVC pipe manufacturer J.M. Eagle to aid in their rebuilding efforts.
But their journey back to “home”—which will also be part of an upcoming documentary on Telemundo—has been a bittersweet one. Watch as they share their journey.
Home Bittersweet Home
With shovels in hand and various construction equipment whirring in the background, the Stuhlmans broke ground on their soon-to-be rebuilt home.
Still, John and Monica could not help their mixed feelings.
“[All] this time, I’ve never wanted to move back. I told John, ‘Why don’t we just stay in Monrovia, buy a house and just restart our lives in a different community,’” said Monica.
For John, the decision to return was also fraught with ambivalence, noting that the home was not only a beloved abode, but also a symbol of his hard work.
“I had to work a lot just to afford the downpayment for this place,” he said. “I had to come back. This is something I have to do.”
A Generous Donation from J.M. Eagle
Thankfully, the Stuhlmans are not rebuilding alone.
As one of five families to receive help from Walter and Shirley Wang of J.M. Eagle—via the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund— the couple are heartened by the support they have received.
Since 2025, J.M. Eagle has donated $6.5 million towards wildfire recovery, relief and rebuilding efforts.
“Walter and Shirley and everyone at J.M. Eagle, thank you so much. And [to the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund]—what a phenomenal organization,” said John.
A Journey Documented
Amid the excavators and construction workers was another hardworking crew: a film crew from Telemundo who is documenting members of the community who lost their homes to the fires, including the Stuhlmans.
It’s been a tear-filled emotional rollercoaster that they hope will, ultimately, have a happy ending.
“I think once we get the framing [on the house] done, it’s going to be nice to be able to come back and see, ‘Hey, it’s not an empty lot,’” said Monica. “And we’re getting our dream house. Everything that we’ve ever wanted is going to be built in this new house.”
By Audrey Yap