East Windsor's Fire and Rescue Squad Chief, John Willis Brooks, died in his bed in his own home on the evening of August 25th in the presence of those he loved. He was born on January 16th 1962 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Bob and Elaine Brooks. He was named for his father's grandfather John Edwards and his mother's father Willis Gleghorn. John became an East Windsor resident in 1966 when the family moved into Cranbury Manor. John leaves behind his childhood sweetheart and the love of his life, Laura. He met Laura in middle school and she changed his life, softening some of John's rougher edges. John and Laura married in 1983, recently celebrating their 38th anniversary. He sadly leaves her now along with his two daughters, Katrina and her husband Jason as well as his youngest Amanda, along with her son, Jayden. Besides many great friends and colleagues John is survived by his older brother Robert and his wife Sue, younger brothers Raymond and his wife Cindy as well as Michael and his wife Kathy, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins that will never forget John.

John's childhood was typical of the time. He grew up "Free-Range" in that he left the house in the morning – played games, climbed trees, gallivanting about the neighborhood with all the other kids doing what kids did. When the street lights came on, he wandered home. In high school John ended up finding a program that allowed him to learn trades, such as carpentry, and construction. Because he loved what he was doing, he decided to further hone his skills by going to vocational school. He then apprenticed and went to work for established builders for several years before starting his own business, John Brooks Builders. He became a well known and respected craftsman throughout Mercer County. A true professional that leaves behind hundreds of completed projects and a legion of loyal customers that will miss him as much as anyone.

Laura's father, Kal Prost, was a charter member of the East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company and it was his guidance that led John to his life as a firefighter and all that came with that. John has been a member of the East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 since April 1979, when he joined as a junior firefighter and thereafter became an active firefighter in January 1980. Throughout his 40 years as a volunteer firefighter, he has held numerous positions in the fire company including several stints as Assistant, and Deputy Chief, as well as Chief. John is a life member of the New Jersey State Firemen's Association and an active member of the East Windsor Township Firemen's Relief Association. Chief Brooks was an integral part of the East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 and the Township's Department of Public Safety. John was constantly looking for ways to improve the services and operations of the company for the benefit of the residents of East Windsor. He was always willing to help and lend a hand whether it was for a personal project for the firehouse, or something for the betterment of the community. John has been awarded numerous awards including Firefighter of the Year twice by East Windsor Township Council and the Mayor, and most recently recognized by the National Volunteer Fire Counsel with their lifetime achievement award. John consistently was a top ten responder, answering several hundred calls annually. In addition to serving as the longest active riding firefighter in East Windsor, He remains to this day the youngest elected Fire Chief in Mercer County, New Jersey. He always took pride in being a volunteer firefighter and spent countless hours annually training the next generation of firefighters. He was the integral part of the East Windsor Township LOSAP committee in 1997 that by Township referendum approved the implementation of the LOSAP program for the township's four volunteer emergency services organizations. He served as the fire company bylaw committee chairman and participated on numerous other committees. John was very instrumental in procuring and designing East Windsor Township's fire apparatus including the engine, rescue, tele-squirt, and the new ladder. John remained a dedicated volunteer firefighter and was celebrating his 42nd year with the East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company #1.

John also joined Rescue Squad District II, headquartered on Twin Rivers Drive in November 2014 and in February 2015, he was elected as Assistant Chief. He has made a lifetime impact in the community, and will be forever remembered as an advocate, mentor, supporter and friend. He has paved a path for the continued success of volunteer emergency services in East Windsor. As we mourn the passing of a man with a formidable legacy who is irreplaceable, we trust those who were a part of his life to cherish the volunteer traditions and maintain an advocate for the lifeline volunteer emergency services that John so passionately and selflessly helped build for the last four decades. He will be forever remembered by both the fire company and rescue squads cadre of volunteer members. John led faithfully and was a humble public servant. He will be forever cherished and remembered as a lifelong Township resident who faithfully and humbly served his community. We pay tribute to his guidance and words of wisdom. "No matter what, No matter what comes of this, you do not stop" so with that I tell you, rest easy, we've got it from here.

A viewing with the family will be held Sunday, September 5 ^th from 12:30-1:30 pm with a service to begin at 1:30 at the East Windsor Fire Company #1, 51 1 Mile Rd, East Windsor, NJ 08520.