Captain Jack Sperow
This November 12th marked the first anniversary of the passing of Captain Jack Sperow. He died at the age of 94 after a very busy life. For thirty years Jack was both a Captain on the Los Angeles Fire Department as well as Group Commander in the Active Air Force Reserve Unit at March Air Force Base in Riverside. The U.S. Air Force even made a film about him which was entitled “Two Hats.”
Jack served in three wars. In 1945, his B-29 unit was waiting to be deployed to the South Pacific Theater when the war with Japan ended. In 1950, his B-26 reserve unit was the first to be recalled for the Korean Conflict. In the late 1960’s, during the Vietnam War, he again resumed his active military career as a C-124 Globe Master of Military Air Lift Transport. His duty required transporting oversized equipment and bringing troops back to the U.S. Jack eventually retired from the military with the rank of full colonel.
Upon his retirement from both of his careers in Southern California, Jack accepted the position of Senior Captain and Training Officer of the newly formed, professional Aptos Fire Department. He and his family relocated to Aptos in 1972.
Jack loved his time at the Aptos Fire Department with Chief Chinn (also LAFD retired) and the “Red Hots.” He enjoyed living in the beauty of the Central Coast. Jack played handball for fifty years before and after his retirement, playing in tournaments throughout the United States. He participated in the Boy Scout program with his sons. Camping in the High Sierras with his family was a real favorite with Jack.
Jack’s life was well lived and will not be forgotten by the people who knew him, the men that worked alongside him or the family that loved him. He and his wife Genova “Genie” had a love affair that lasted over 70 years. Jack and Genie had five children, and their family continues to grow with grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and now, four great-great-great grandchildren.
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Kern County Breakfast Club
Retired LAFD members residing in Kern County (L to R) Bob Klopfenstein, Jim Walters, Pat Engel, Roger Fiala, Dan Arnett and Jerry Horwedel at their monthly breakfast meeting. Call Kolp for info – (661) 204-1374
