Born in 1929, my dad, John Carpenter, grew up with his family of five in a one-bedroom home, waiting in lines for free government cheese. His father had a bad heart and died early. Never good in school, he liked to say he was invited to leave early. One night, my dad was caught letting the air out of the tires of a police car. Instead of chastising him, the officer explained the possible consequences of his actions and that he might not have been able to get to people in need without a working vehicle. He also took the time to explain why he enjoyed his job, from answering calls for help to typing up reports on an old manual typewriter he carried in his car. John never forgot the officer’s warning or encouragement. After serving as a paratrooper in Japan, he returned home to Hermosa Beach and became a police officer.
Hired by his hometown police department, he found his niche. He enjoyed the regimentation combined with the independence the job provided. Between calls, he loved investigating whatever caught his eye. He was a fighter and loved street work but also quickly grasped the political nature of the job. During this time, he became a single father to his four young kids. He was chosen to attend the FBI National Academy, where he met J. Edgar Hoover. About six years later, he met the love of his life, Linda, and they were married for 52 years. After rising to the rank of lieutenant, he began applying for various chief of police positions. He was turned down many times. He always said that just made him better at the next interview.
John worked his career like an avid chess player, loving the political ins and outs of law enforcement life. He was curious and a hard worker and always advised to have “a Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C.” This wise approach was helpful when he was hired as the first chief of police of Carpinteria, charged with forming a new agency. He had scores of yellow legal pads outlining his visions and ideas for bringing the new department to life. He was well liked but not especially bothered by making enemies. He had an irrepressible desire to move the department and his own dreams forward.
