Marla Jones, Managing Editor
FORT PAYNE, Ala.-- On Thursday, retired Lieutenant Darren Westbrook, of the Fort Payne Fire Department, passed away due to complications of COVID-19.
Westbrook, who was one of the founding members of the Fort Payne Honor Guard, and a firefighter for Fort Payne for over 26 years, was loved by many.
He was a devoted husband and father, preacher and musician, a man of integrity and compassion, and one who inspired many.
The Fort Payne Fire Department posted on social media that “words cannot express our feelings right now. The Fort Payne Fire Department and the surrounding communities have lost a great person and friend.”
Several people took to social media to express their condolences.
“Darren “Spanky” Westbrook was one of the good ones-the best. He was my friend everyone's friend” stated Ninth Circuit Judge Andrew Hairston.
“I’m gonna try to put my thoughts into words. Very seldom do you come across someone who is the real deal. Darren Westbrook was the real deal. I don’t think he ever had a bad day” expressed Jason Bryan.
According to Fort Payne Fire Chief, Ron Saferite, Westbrook was a dear friend and one that taught fire safety to hundreds of students. He also was the one who spearheaded a Sunday morning devotion service for firefighters who had to work on Sunday.
Westbrook will be honored with a full honor guard firefighter funeral and a funeral procession to his final burial place in Fischer, in the Fort Payne Fire Department.
