Birmingham responders are mourning the death of their chief.
Birmingham Fire and Rescue Chief Ivor J. Brooks died Wednesday afternoon after collapsing while he was off-duty.
Brooks, 57, was transported by Homewood Fire and Rescue to Brookwood Medical Center at 2:15 p.m. and was pronounced dead about 3 p.m., according to Al.com.
While the cause of death has not been determined officially, Mayor William Bell said Brooks suffered a massive heart attack.
"They tried to revive him but were unable to do so,'' Bell told reporters. "We're just truly hurting for his lovely wife and children at this time."
Brooks, a 32-year veteran, was appointed as chief on Nov. 14, 2007.
"He was truly dedicated to building a first-class fire department,'' Bell said. He said they worked closely together with FEMA to get grant money to be used on fire houses throughout the city.
