LARGO, Md. — A firefighter died Wednesday after suffering a medical emergency while on-duty.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, firefighter James “Doc” Delbert Brooks, 62, with Prince George’s Fire and EMS Department, began to experience difficulty breathing and called 911 while winterizing boats at a station.
Firefighters and medics arrived to find firefighter Brooks in cardiac arrest and immediately began CPR, according to the report. He was transported to a nearby hospital and was then relocated to another in critical condition, according to the report. He later succumbed to his injury.
“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,” Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor said. “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.”
Firefighter Brooks was a 20-year veteran of the fire service and a memorial service with full fire department honors is currently being planned. Arrangements will be provided as soon as they’re available.