John Spencer was born February 17, 1937. He joined the Quincy Fire Department May 1, 1969 and wore badge #35. “Spence,” as he was often called, was assigned to Engine #2 out of Central Fire Station. His character was described with words like, “easy-going, positive, dedicated, happy-go-lucky, tireless worker, and meticulous.” John was a man you could depend on.

On April 14, 1991, an alarm came in for a house fire at 725 N. 5^th Street. Firefighter Spencer was a member of one of the initial companies to respond to the blaze. The crews arrived within minutes and fought and extinguished the fire. During overhaul operations, the strain and exertion took its toll on Firefighter Spencer and he suffered a fatal heart attack.

John Spencer was 54 years old and was a 21-year veteran of the fire department. He was survived by his wife Sharon, his mother Matilda and his son Travis.