Birmingham Fire and Rescue Chief Ivor J. Brooks died unexpectedly Wednesday afternoon, reports al.com.
Brooks, 57, was transported by Homewood Fire and Rescue from the Country Inn & Suites on Wildwood Circle, authorities said. He arrived at Brookwood Medical Center at 2:15 p.m. and was pronounced dead a short time later.
Birmingham Mayor William Bell said Brooks suffered a massive heart attack. He was pronounced dead about 3 p.m.
“They tried to revive him but were unable to do so,” Bell said. “We’re just truly hurting for his lovely wife and children at this time.”
Brooks was appointed as chief in the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service on Nov. 14, 2007 after 26 years on the job. In all, he served more than 32 years with BFRS.
“He was truly dedicated to building a first-class fire department,” Bell said. He said they worked closely together with FEMA to get grant money to be used on fire houses throughout the city.
“It’ll be a tough loss for us to go on without him,” Bell said. “I am sure he would want the fire department and the City of Birmingham to move forward.”
Bell said he is asking that all municipal buildings to lower flags to half staff. “I’ve been in city government for 30 years and we have never had a situation where we lost a department head like this,” the mayor said.
Brooks was married to Joyce Brooks, chairwoman of the MAX transit Board. He had four children. “He dearly loved them,” Bell said.
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