MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us Twitter: @PGFDPIO
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| "Doc" Brooks |
It is with deepest regrets that the Prince George’s County
Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department announces a Line of Duty Death
(LODD). 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.
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.
Prince George’s County Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor stated,
“This is indeed a dark time for the Department, in particular, the Volunteer Marine
Fire Rescue, as we mourn the passing of a friend and colleague. Brooks was concerned about how the cold
weather would affect the rescue boats and the barge that serves as their
station. He wanted to ensure their
readiness, in the event they were called to duty.”
A memorial service with full fire department honors is
currently being planned. Arrangements
will be provided as soon as they are available.
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