Funeral Services Held for Fallen Fire Fighter James D. Brooks

MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930

mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

James “Doc” Delbert Brooks, a 20-year volunteer member of the Department passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2014, after suffering a medical emergency while on duty the previous week.  Doc Brooks, 62 years-old, was a resident of Camp Springs, Maryland.  He was memorialized during a funeral service with full fire Department honors today.  Prior to arriving at the First Baptist Church of Upper Marlboro, a funeral procession left the Lee Funeral Home in Clinton and drove by the Allentown Road Volunteer Fire/EMS Department #832, Fort Washington Fire/EMS Station #847, Marine Fire Rescue Station 857 at Fort Washington Marina and the Clinton Volunteer Fire/EMS Department #825.   

On Monday, January 6, Brooks, a member of the Prince George’s Volunteer Marine Fire Rescue, was winterizing the boats and station in preparation of record low temperatures forecasted for the following day.  Shortly after midnight, while still at the Marina located in Fort Washington, he experienced difficulty breathing and called 911.  Firefighters and paramedics arrived to find Brooks in cardiac arrest and immediately began pre-hospital care.  He was transported to a nearby medical facility and subsequently relocated to Medstar at Washington Hospital Center in “critical” condition.

Doc Brooks was surrounded by his wife, family members, and colleagues throughout his time in the hospital.  Jan Demeritt, Deputy Chief of the Volunteer Marine Fire Rescue, also maintained a constant vigil and was at his bedside when he passed.  “On behalf of the Brooks family, I want to thank everyone for their continued support during this difficult time,” said Demeritt.

The Line of Duty Death funeral service was presided by Warren Litchfield, Chaplain for the Prince George's County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association.  Speakers included County Executive Rushern L. Baker III, Chairman of the County Council Mel Franklin, State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci, Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor,  Maryland State Firemen's Association President Jackie Olson, Marine Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Jan Demeritt, Commission President  John Alter and Association President Pete Mellits.

To view images from todays funeral service for James "Doc" Brooks, click here.  

Photos by Mike Yourishin.