Jonathan “Jon” Paulson

Firefighter/Paramedic Jonathan “Jon” Paulson, of the Bozeman Fire Department in Montana, succumbed to occupational brain cancer on March 9, 2023. He fought a brave battle until his last breath, wanting to be there for his little daughter for as long as possible. He was 38 years old and had served with the Bozeman Fire Department for 10 years. 

Paulson was born in Wausau, Wisconsin, to Scott and Bonita Paulson. He grew up alongside his sister, Melissa. He graduated from Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School and had a very close network of friends. He loved to fish and excelled academically. He loved helping others and had a calling to become a firefighter from a very young age. He attended Northcentral Technical College in Wausau and graduated as a paramedic. While at NTC, Paulson served with the Hatley Fire Department as an EMT. He was also a paramedic at Beacon Ambulance Service in Hurley, Wisconsin. He moved to Ashland and served as a firefighter/paramedic there. He often went to Cooke City, Montana, to snowmobile in the mountains, eventually moving to Bozeman. Once there, he joined the Bozeman Fire Department in 2013.  In 2011, Paulson received a citation by the legislature from the State of Wisconsin stating “Jonathan heroically risked his life to save two ice fishermen stranded near Saxon Harbor. He navigated the Ice Angel through 30 mph winds and 12-foot ice waves in white-out conditions to bring the men to safety”. Throughout his career, he saved countless others or helped in the rescues as a flight paramedic and firefighter paramedic. He loved serving the people of his community. 

Paulson met his future wife, Kristy, online, when she was working in the medical field. She was attracted to his loyalty and very strong Midwest values, such as being on time and helping your neighbors. They both had a passion for the elderly. On their second date, he helped her move, making a stressful situation calm with his relaxed demeanor and his organizational skills. They married and had their precious daughter, Leora. He was a loving husband and father, devoted to his family and to helping others. His wife and daughter will honor his legacy by helping those in need in their community or in the fire service. 

Firefighter/Paramedic Jonathan Paulson is survived by his loving wife, Kristy, his cherished daughter, Leora, his parents, Scott and Bonita Paulson, his sister, Melissa, and brother-in-law Neal, four brothers-in-law, six nieces and two nephews, and many other family members and friends. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage on the Paulson family home through the Fallen First Responder Home Program.