Bowling Green City Commission selects new fire chief

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Tuesday afternoon, The Bowling Green Board of Commissioners named the city’s new fire chief at the Kummer/Little Recreation Center.

With a unanimous vote from the board, Battalion Chief Justin Brooks rose to the role of fire chief.

The newly appointed chief has served the Bowling Green Fire Department 14 and a half  years since 2006. For over two years now, he served the city as Battalion Chief.

While serving with the BGFD, Chief Brooks has served as part of the Technical Rescue Team and Director of the Hazardous Materials Program. He was also coordinator of the Officer Development Program, as well. Chief Brooks said though today was indeed an honor he got to celebrate alongside his coworkers and family, his real focus is on his BGFD brothers.

“This is not about me. This is not about this badge. This is really about the team. I rest easy knowing that I stand on the shoulders of so many that have come before me, and continue to serve with me today. The team wins today. They are influencing me in this department. It’s a great day because of them, and we’re ready to get started,” said Brooks.

Captain Craig White has served the entirety of his career in the force with Chief Brooks for almost 15 years now, and he said his friend will make a great leader for the city.

White said, “He’s displayed exemplary leadership throughout every position he’s held here, fire fighter to engineer, captain and battalion chief especially, it’s really shown through-all of his leadership attributes. And, we’re excited to see where he takes us in the future.”

Fire Chief Brooks replaces former Bowling Green Fire Chief Jason Colson who served the city for 26 years.

Chief Brooks said that though he knows he has big shoes to fill, it’s an easy job to do by keeping his mindset geared toward servitude.

“We exist to serve, and to be able to put that uniform on and to help others, and not to mention when you sign on with the fire department or police department, it’s a big family. That was important, so the support system and being able to help others, that’s what we should all be here for,” said Brooks.