[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 88 (Monday, June 9, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E928]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING BIRMINGHAM FIRE AND RESCUE CHIEF IVOR J. BROOKS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TERRI A. SEWELL

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 9, 2014

  Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life 
and legacy of Birmingham Fire and Rescue Chief Ivor J. Brooks who 
passed away on Wednesday May 28. As we mourn his untimely passing, I am 
comforted in knowing that his legacy of exemplary public service will 
bring peace to those affected by this tremendous loss to the State of 
Alabama.
   Chief Brooks was sworn into the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service 
Department on May 3, 1982. His illustrious career as a first responder 
would span more than 30 years. Throughout his tenure, he distinguished 
himself as a servant leader who worked his way up the ranks of the 
department. He was appointed the 20th fire chief of the city of 
Birmingham on November 14, 2007 after 26 years on the job.
   This nationally recognized first responder was trained at the 
National Fire Academy in Maryland and the U.S. Department of Justice 
Weapons of Mass Destruction Training Facility of Incident Commanders. 
He also attended the Alabama Fire College, completed the Personnel 
Standards Commission, and the Fire Chief's Executive Development 
Program. Prior to being named fire chief, he served as Incident 
Commander for the State of Alabama.
   During his time at the helm of Alabama's largest fire department, 
city leaders often commended Chief Brooks for his dedication to 
building and maintaining a fire department that Birmingham residents 
could be proud of. His responsible and practical leadership resulted in 
the revitalization and construction of various new firehouses 
throughout the city. I have fond memories of working closely with Chief 
Brooks to secure funding opportunities for improvement projects. He 
understood that the success of the 700 men and women he ably led was 
dependent upon securing resources and opportunities to support them in 
performing their duties.
   Throughout his impactful lifetime, Chief Brooks also received 
numerous awards for his leadership and innovation in the field. But 
despite his celebrated career, his greatest achievement was his family 
and his dedication to his faith. Before his death, Chief Brooks served 
as a trustee on the board of the historic Sixteenth Street Baptist 
Church in Birmingham. He was married to Joyce E. Brooks and was the 
father of four children; Ivon, Nyyah, Ivor, Jr. and Matthew and one 
grandchild, August Rayne Howell.
   On behalf of a grateful nation and state, we salute this American 
treasure who was committed to protecting and serving the community that 
he loved. As we seek comfort in the aftermath of his untimely passing, 
we will forever remember Chief Brooks as an energetic and personable 
leader that was committed to obtaining the best results for his 
department. We salute Chief Brooks and pray for his family and his 
colleagues as we mourn the loss of this American hero. We honor his 
life and we thank him for his noble contributions to mankind. I ask my 
colleagues to join me in mourning the passing of Birmingham Fire and 
Rescue Chief Ivor J. Brooks.

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