By Karenlyn Barone
Brooks, a lifelong Lynbrook resident, joined Hose Company No. 1 on July 7, 1939, and actually responded to his first fire call on his bicycle. He quickly learned the basics of firefighting, was elected second lieutenant in 1947, and became the company's 41st captain in 1949. His dream of being a chief was realized in 1972, when he became the 52nd chief of the Lynbrook Fire Department.
"He was a great guy," said current Fire Chief James McDermott. "Imagine 66 years of volunteer fire service. That's incredible."
Brooks's dedication to service grew from his experience in the military as a young man. He served his country with distinction during World War II, operating as a machine gunner in a tank regiment commanded by Gen. George S. Patton. Brooks saw action in four major battles, including the Battle of the Bulge.
After the war, he returned from the military, married, and pursued a banking career with the Dime Savings Bank. He continued his leadership role with the fire department, serving as a company warden from 1952 to 1959 and again from 1985 to 2000. Always active, he chaired the company's 50th anniversary celebration and helped his son Wally chair the 75th anniversary celebration.
During his fire career, Brooks served on almost every fire company committee ever formed, represented Hose Company as a charter member of the Lynbrook Tumblers Drill Team and was chairman of the first fire department picnic ever held.
"Buddy was at this year's picnic, too," said McDermott. "Just like he was there every year."
Brooks's commitment to community service ran deep, and he also joined the Lynbrook Rescue Squad, where he served as captain from 1960 to 1961.
With an ever-present cigar clamped firmly between his teeth, Brooks helped fight some of the biggest fires in Lynbrook history, including Galleys, Woolworth's and the five corners fire. Even after serving as chief, he maintained one of the highest call percentages in the Lynbrook department, and earned many honors, including Lynbrook's Man of the Year and Newsday's Volunteerism Award. Brooks was named the Town of Hempstead's Fireman of the Year in 1998, and was made an honorary fire commissioner of the Lynbrook department on his 50th anniversary of service. He was also a loyal member of the Lynbrook Elks Club.
Brooks is survived by his wife, Flo, his son, Wally, his daughter, Mary Clare, and several grandchildren. Family received friends at the Flinch and Bruns Funeral Home in Lynbrook.
Comments about this story? KBarone@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 202.
