[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 211 (Friday, January 3, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1650]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN RECOGNITION OF BATTALION CHIEF ROBERT K. BROOKS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 3, 2020

  Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Battalion Chief 
Robert K. Brooks as he retires after 35 years of dedicated service to 
the Flower Mound Fire Department. Over the course of his career, he 
demonstrated continued commitment to the Fire Department by preserving 
the safety of citizens in Denton County and by educating future 
generations about the importance of fire safety.
  Mr. Brooks began his career as a dedicated volunteer firefighter in 
January of 1983, earning a position as a paid firefighter in 1984. His 
continued service to the Fire Department resulted in a promotion to 
Shift Lieutenant and service as the Department's Emergency Medical 
Service coordinator. In addition to his duties as a firefighter and 
paramedic, Mr. Brooks played an integral role in the development and 
supervision of the Department's Safety and Fire Education Team as well 
as the clown program.
  In 2014, Mr. Brooks received the honor and responsibility of serving 
as the Training Battalion Chief for the Flower Mound Fire Department. 
In this position, he undertook the task of instructing 112 certified 
firefighters and mentoring new recruits. Throughout his service as 
Training Battalion Chief, he served as a leader and role model to all 
firefighters of the department.
  In addition to his duties at the Fire Department, Mr. Brooks never 
hesitated to invest time educating local youth. For over 15 years, Mr. 
Brooks conducted engaging fire safety programs for Flower Mound and 
Highland Village elementary school children while dressed as Smokey the 
Bear. In addition to portraying Smokey himself, Mr. Brooks wrote the 
scripts. As a commendation for his investment in children's education, 
he was twice awarded the Flower Mound Fire Department Educator of the 
Year award. His service-orientation ultimately also earned him the 
Rotary Vocational Service Excellence Award in 2018.
  From his entry into emergency response as a volunteer firefighter to 
his current position as Battalion Chief, Mr. Brooks dedicated his life 
and career to the safety of his community. Thanks to his encouragement 
and commitment to education, his influence not only challenged young 
firefighters to become reliable and competent defenders of public 
safety, but also encouraged children to learn of fire dangers and 
implement safety plans. The quality of life and community safety Flower 
Mound residents enjoy today is a tribute to Mr. Brooks' dedicated 
leadership, determination, and work ethic. It is my honor to recognize 
Battalion Chief Robert K. Brooks for his public service and for the 
role model he leaves for future responders to follow.