Father, friend and Roanoke Fireman Chris Brown passed away unexpectedly last Thursday with his family at his side after he became ill from the effects of a brain tumor suffered shortly after completing a 24 hour shift the day before. Brown was a Captain assigned to station 1 on C-shift and an IAFF Local 1132 member. He was 44 years old at the time of his death. He is survived by his wife, Stephanie, and their two daughters Caroline, 16 and Hannah, 11.
Roanoke Fire-EMS personnel mourned the loss of Captain Brown on Monday afternoon at his funeral. Following the service, Brown’s family and his fellow firefighters held a reception at Roanoke’s Fire Station One. Captain Brown’s ladder truck, with black ribbon on the front, sat outside. His fellow shift workers stood together for a group picture in front of the truck, minus their captain.
“He took a bunch of misfits here at the station, and he turned us into the best crew the city’s got,” said J.J. Price.
At a reception after the funeral, pictures were on a screen both of Brown’s family and of his crew. In the fire service, a helmet is like a badge of courage, and tradition is everything.
Battalion Chief Jeff Beckner passed on Brown’s helmet to his brother, Mark, also a firefighter. “That passing of the helmet to Mark, I think, will definitely mean something to Mark,” said Price.
Brown and his family dedicated their lives to the City of Roanoke. He was a second-generation firefighter who followed in his father’s footsteps. Clarence Wayne Brown retired from the department in 1989. His brother, Mark, also followed the same path and currently serves as the Lieutenant on Engine 5. His mother, Marquetta Brown, retired from the Roanoke City Occupational Health Clinic as an RN.
Chris Brown was hired into the Roanoke Fire Department, now Roanoke Fire-EMS, in August 1994. He worked in the company prior to attending his recruit school which he attended with eight other members in 1995. His first assignment as a firefighter placed him in one of the busiest companies in the city at the time – old Station #3 located at 6th Street and Rorer Ave SW.
This assignment placed Chris on the scene of many of the most memorable incidents in Roanoke’s recent history. He would later be transferred to Station #6 with Capt. Eddie Carter (retired). From there, Chris would make the rank of Lieutenant and serve at Station #11 where he would remain with Captain Carter until his transfer back to his beloved Station #3.
At home again on 6th and Rorer, Chris worked under Captain Terry King and would soon make Captain and take command of his first company in the department headquarters, (Station #1) under his long time friend and mentor Battalion Chief, Jeff Beckner.
Chris Brown’s fellow firefighters struggled to come to terms with the suddenness of his passing this week but summed up his dedication as both a fire-fighter and a father in their reflections:
“In the early years, Chris was always eager and willing to perform his duties and would let nothing get in his way as he grew and developed into a stern but understanding Captain. He passed along his knowledge and experiences to his men and molded them into one of the most respected companies within the department. Chris was known for his abilities and leadership style. He excelled in every aspect of his life – from his job, to his family, Chris has shown total devotion. Every member who has worked with or around Chris will hold their own special memories. Memories of his firm hand shakes, his ear to ear smile, his energetic approach and his unforgettable pride will be remembered by all who knew him.”
“Although the department was important to Chris, his first love which he showed openly was to “Steph” and “the girls” as he called them. No matter what was happening, when Stephanie, Caroline and Hannah made one of their many visits to the station, the “Chris smile” remained but the overabundance of energy turned to calm which would let everyone around him know that his happiness had arrived.”
“May you rest in peace oh brother of ours, called for a higher duty in the kingdom of Heaven. Well done lad, well done!”
Captain Chris Brown will be remembered and missed by both his immediate family and his fire department brothers and sisters. His loyalty and dedication remain an inspiration to all.
The following poem was written by Justin Heinz and first appeared on the local Fire Fighter’s blog, RoanokeFire.com. The poem was recited at Brown’s funeral.
Chris Brown- He will be riding that Grumman in the sky.
On earth, you couldn’t find a better guy.
In the hay loft he did sleep. So many memories from 3, I will keep.
On his coat tail, we did ride.
He and Terry King taught us to fight fire with pride.
He spoke of iron men and wooden ladders from RFD’s past. A flag spelling; Honor and Bravery flew from E 3’s mast.
Those words fit Chris to a “T”.
Some of him, helped mold me.
He was a family man that is for sure.
Dedicated, honest, and he had a heart that was pure.
There are so many stories that I would like to share.
“Hunker Down”, “Bap Bap” and the 9 p.m. stare.
In closing I must say, “Iron Man” should go under his name.
He will be missed. The world won’t be the same.
– Star-Sentinel News Partner WSLS 10 and Willie Wines Jr., Marci Stone, and Rhett Fleitz contributed information for this article.
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