Press Release/Media

grand marshal

January 19, 2024

2013 Grand Marshal-Utica Fire Chief Russell E. Brooks, II

January 19, 2024

Russell Brooks Chosen 2024
St. Patrick's Parade Grand Marshal

How do you reward someone for a lifetime dedicated to public service? Well, if it's Utica Fire Chief Russell E. Brooks II, you name him Grand Marshal of the 2024 Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade. Chief Brooks has been chosen from a list of worthy nominees to lead one of the largest St. Patrick's Day Parades in New York State when the parade steps off on Genesee Street at 10:00 a.m. on March 9. 2024.
Russ Brooks is a 37 year veteran of the Utica Fire Department where he has held every rank in the department, culminating in his current tenure as chief. Standing out as a highlight of his firefighting career is his work at Ground Zero on 9/11, where he traveled with 11 other Utica firefighters to help New York City firefighters with search and rescue operations. For his efforts he was featured in the book Twelve Valiant Men: Utica Firefighters at Ground Zero. In addition to numerous commendations for life-saving rescues, Chief Brooks was also featured in Firehouse Magazine with other Utica firefighters for their heroics at a Christmas Eve fire on James Street.
The chief is the grandson of the late James Patrick Murphy, who arrived in New York City via Canada from County Louth, Ireland in the early 20th century. After serving in the US Navy as a minesweeper, he owned and operated a speakeasy in New York City. He later married the late May Cook whose family was from Tyrone County, Ireland.
Russ gets his love for his ancestral homeland from his mother, Kathleen Murphy Brooks. He celebrates his Irish heritage in many fashions, including serving as Treasurer for the Ancient Order of Hibernians (John C. Devereux Oneida Co. Div. 1) and volunteering and serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the Great American Irish Festival, where he has participated in the festival's Mass every year since its inception. In addition, he played a pivotal role in establishing what has become a local tradition, the raising of the Irish flag at Utica's City Hall.
His activities are not limited to firefighting and Irish activities. The former Marine was chosen to carry the Olympic Torch as one of Utica's Home Town Heroes and currently serves as a member of the Boards of Directors of the Food Bank of Greater Utica and the Veteran's Outreach Center. Included among the many honors he has received are proclamations from the United States Congress and NYS Legislature; the proclamation of "Russell E. Brooks Day" in the City of Utica (February 28, 1979); Man of the Year by St. Peter's School for his support of Catholic Schools; Firefighter of the Year by American Legion Post 229; recognition from the Cornhill Senior Center for all of his dedication & support; and the "Living Legend" award by the Boys & Girls Club of the Mohawk Valley.
Russ is married to Marianne (Mulvihill) Brooks and has four sons: Patrick, Michael, John, & Matthew.