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Fire Chief Dennis Brewer passes away

Fire Chief Dennis Brewer passes away

Family, friends and co-workers share memories

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Family, friends and co-workers share memories

By JOHN RECH

news@theeveningtimes.com

West Memphis Fire Chief Dennis Brewer passed away Sunday morning after a bout with cancer.

Brewer was the first appointee named by Mayor Marco McClendon when he was elected in November of 2018. Many changes came in the 18 months Brewer held the helm at the Fire Department. Family and friends remembered his love for family, children and the community as news of his final departure spread.

Crittenden County Justice of the Peace Pat Hull reminisced about her “brother/ uncle” – The two were born just six months apart. “He was six months older than I am,” said Hull. “He is my mother’s baby brother. He is my uncle and my brother. He has always been humble and with a sweet spirit. It was no different as a child. I can’t believe he is gone.

Brewer achieved another title besides “chief.” Some called him “master” for his prowess teaching karate.

“He loved West Memphis,” continued Hull. “He loved his community. He loved people. He loved his children in karate.”

“The two most exciting days of his life were when the day he joined the fire department and the day he met his wife, Dorothy. They had dated since the age of 13. It was a beautiful love story, better than any fairy tale. O my gosh! Their whole story is real, better than any story ever written. He never deviated from anything. His children were his heart.”

Brewer took many children under his wing and taught life lessons and discipline through karate.

“He took my children when I moved from Detroit and taught karate,” said Hull. “He took all kinds of children that people did not know about, children with disabilities .He provide a village for my children.”

Brewer raised money and poured his own resources into travel for his students.

“He took kids to places they otherwise would have

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never been exposed to,” said Hull. California, Vegas, Europe, that’s something because some of the children had never even been to Memphis.”

West Memphis Police Chief Eddie West said his relationship with Brewer spanned a generation. He re_ected on Brewer’s life.

“I remember when he started as a reman and the steps as he advanced through the ranks at the re department,” said West. “He was a good friend. We had supper together on many occasions. He was just a real good friend. He had a big smile and a personality to match. Dennis knew no stranger.”

“I took karate from him. He was at my rst board breaking cheering me on. he was just that kind of guy.”

“We talked and had decided we’d retire from this administration together; he just didn’t make it.”

Assistant Fire Chief De-Wayne Rose said the short 18 months Brewer lead the department were chockfull of improvements. Rose credited rising morale in the ranks with changes in wages and working conditions for re ghter/EMT’s and paramedics. He pointed to a tight bond between Brewer and the mayor to accomplish so much in such a short time.

“New SUV’s were purchased for our chief ofcers,” said Rose. “He saw to the new construction of two re station get underway. He was adamant about getting everyone back in their dress uniforms. If you see a re ghter out and about now, they have on a complete dress uniform including their badge and name tag. It’s a distinct look we were known for years.”

The city ordered a custom pump truck set for delivery this coming January and bought three used paramedic level ambulances for pennies on the dollar from a private service gone out of business.

We’ve always had an understanding with Marion, that if we need help we call them or if they need help they call us,” said Rose. “He really wanted to get our rst automatic aid agreement on paper. It helps with our ISO credits.”

West Memphis continued to hold its top ISO Class One rating which helped deliver the lowest possible re insurance rate to city residents and businesses.

Brewer also saw to raises for the city re service. The increases reduced attrition and advanced morale.

“The paramedics got nine percent and the re ghters got a seven and one half percent raise,” said Rose. “It was a lobbying effort right of the bat with Mayor McClendon. They had a good relationship and when ever he called he had the ear of the mayor. If he said this is what needs to be done, the mayor would listen.”

Brewer started with the re department in 1988, achieved Lieutenant rank in 2001, became a deputy inspector in 2004 and a division chief in 2007. Brewer retired in 2013 but answered Mayor McClendon’s call to be chief beginning in January of 2019. Brewer was the second black to hold the department chief rank. Brewer was 55.

“We worked on the company together coming up through the ranks,” said Rose. “He was dependable and personable. He knew my wife and kids by name. I will miss him. I’m still in shock. My heart goes out to the family. On behalf of the re Department we want his family to know if there is anything we can do for them, we will. It’s a huge loss for us all.”

“Master” Brewer taught a generation of children karate.

Submitted photo

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