Elmer V. H. Brooks papers

Collection

Identifier: M129

Overview

Elmer V. H. Brooks was born in Briceville, Tennessee in 1906. By the time he reached fifth grade, he was supporting his family by working in a local coal mine. In the early 1920's, however, he joined the Navy to escape the dangers of the mines. He was attached to the USS Colorado for several years before receiving an honorable discharge in 1926. Brooks then hitchhiked to Boston and married Eileen M. Brooks later that year. Elmer Brooks began his career in law enforcement in 1937 as a patrolman at District 13, Jamaica Plain. The father of five was then 31 years old. Brooks was promoted to detective in 1951, and his long police career involved him in many of Boston's most famous events, such as the Coconut Grove fire, the Brinks Robbery, and the case of the "Boston Strangler." In 1961 he was promoted again to Sergeant. In 1968 Detective Brooks received the ultimate honor, being named Boston's outstanding Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. He retired in 1970, honored by his peers as a "cops cop." His badge number, 510, was retired with him in recognition of his 33 years of dedicated service to the people of Boston. He died in 1984. Brooks' wife, Eileen M. Brooks also distinguished herself as an advocate for Massachusetts policemen and their families. In 1944, she helped form the Boston Police Wives Association (BPWA), which advocated for better salary conditions for policemen and their families in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She also served as president of the organization and editor of the organization's newsletter, "Roll Call."

Dates

Creation: 1924-1998
Creation: Majority of material found within 1937-1968

Creator

Brooks, Elmer V. H., 1906-1984 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access:

The collection is unrestricted.

Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use:

Requests for permission to publish material from this collection should be discussed with the University Archivist.

Historical Note

Elmer V. H. Brooks was born in Briceville, Tennessee in 1906. By the time he reached fifth grade, he was supporting his family by working in a local coal mine. In the early 1920's, however, he joined the Navy to escape the dangers of the mines. He was attached to the USS Colorado for several years before receiving an honorable discharge in 1926. Brooks then hitchhiked to Boston and married Eileen M. Brooks later that year.

Elmer Brooks began his career in law enforcement in 1937 as a patrolman at District 13, Jamaica Plain. The father of five was then 31 years old. Brooks was promoted to detective in 1951, and his long police career involved him in many of Boston's most famous events, such as the Coconut Grove fire, the Brinks Robbery, and the case of the "Boston Strangler." In 1961 he was promoted again to Sergeant. In 1968 Detective Brooks received the ultimate honor, being named Boston's outstanding Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. He retired in 1970, honored by his peers as a "cops cop." His badge number, 510, was retired with him in recognition of his 33 years of dedicated service to the people of Boston. He died in 1984.

Brooks' wife, Eileen M. Brooks also distinguished herself as an advocate for Massachusetts policemen and their families. In 1944, she helped form the Boston Police Wives Association (BPWA), which advocated for better salary conditions for policemen and their families in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She also served as president of the organization and editor of the organization's newsletter, "Roll Call."

Chronology

1906
: Elmer V. H. Brooks is born in Briceville, Tennessee.
1923?
: Enlists in the Navy out of Memphis, TN.
1926
: Discharged from the Navy, marries Eileen M Brooks.
1937
: Hired as patrolman for District 13.
1944
: Eileen M. Brooks forms the Boston Police Wives Association (BPWA).
1951
: Elmer Brooks is promoted to police Detective.
1961
: Promoted again to police Sergeant.
1968
: Receives the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award.
1970
: Retires.
1984
: He and his wife die within months of each other.

Extent

0.45 cubic feet (1 container, 1 flat file folder)

Language

English

Additional Description

System of Arrangement:

Arranged in one alphabetical sequence.

Physical Location

59/4, FF5/D1

Bibliography

Smith, E. Stratford. May 1992. Oral History Collection: Robert A. Brooks. The Cable Center. http://www.cablecenter.org/education/library/oralHistoryDetails.cfm?id=212