If the talk around the kitchen table is about vehicle extractions and turnout gear, it might just be dinner in the Spykerman household.
John Spykerman, a new Ventura County Fire Department division chief, is from a family of firefighters. His father and uncle were battalion chiefs for VCFD, and his sister and brother-in-law are firefighters for the Los Angeles County Fire Department. His son works for the Los Angeles City Fire Department.
The 28-year VCFD veteran took over when Division Chief Ted Smith retired last month.
Spykerman said his family was a big part of what inspired him to become a first responder.
“It’s about the camaraderie and it’s about being able to help the citizens,” the 53-year-old said. “It’s challenging, and every single day there’s something different.”