For Richard Brooks of the Cecil County Department of Emergency Services in Elkton, M.D., public safety is more than a job. It’s his life and mission.
Richard Brooks
“I have been in public safety for 38 years,” said Brooks, a director/chief of his department. “My personal mission has always been to help others in their time of need.”
Thanks to CSU, Brooks can now focus on his educational needs as he is the latest winner of the online university’s Learning Partner Scholarship.
The scholarship is awarded to employees/members of companies or organizations that partner with CSU and it covers tuition for up to 24 months for one specific online degree program. Brooks will pursue a longtime goal of earning a bachelor’s degree in fire science.
“My management style has always placed the needs of others before myself,” explained Brooks. “Perhaps that philosophy has advanced me through my career. But, while advancing I have placed my own education on the back burner. I now hold a senior county position and should have the formal degree to back me up. CSU is providing me that opportunity.”
As an active educator of training and fire safety, Brooks works hard for the success of his students.
“A strong component of my drive is to assure that every student I teach, every firefighter I respond with goes home safely. If these individuals have the will to see their training to completion, then I have the will to spend countless hours assisting them with their studies to pass the class,” he said.
Brooks hopes his online degree from CSU will help him with this and more.
“Frankly, I need to finish the puzzle of life. While most people have education as the first piece, I will have education as one of the last pieces. But, education will continue to propel me into the public safety arena with lasting credibility,” he added.
“I firmly believe that CSU is the best educational opportunity for public safety professionals on the market. I encourage every firefighter and paramedic to pursue their dream with CSU.”
To learn more about the Learning Partner Scholarship, please call 888-785-3006 or send an email to scholarships@columbiasouthern.edu.
