Local cop to get national distinguished-service medal

Timothy Brooks makes no bones about it - the big guy is going to be an emotional wreck on Friday.

He has two reasons, both of which give him the chills just thinking about 'em.

It was announced yesterday that Brooks, a veteran Philadelphia police detective, has been named one of the three recipients of the Citizen Service Before Self Honors, an esteemed award presented annually by the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation to selfless and courageous individuals.

Brooks, 45, was recognized for diving into the Delaware last July 7, moments after a duck boat was crushed by a passing barge. He saved a woman and three children who were thrashing about in the murky waters.

The awards will be handed out Friday in the shadow of the Tomb of the Unknowns, at the Arlington National Cemetery, in Virginia.

The mere idea of setting foot on that hallowed ground is enough to floor the avowed history buff.

But there's more to it than that. Friday also marks the first anniversary of the death of Brooks' father, Patrick.

"I'm a firm believer that everybody gets a little help in life," he said, as his voice suddenly grew emotional. "This is no coincidence."

Brooks, a 19-year veteran detailed to the Bomb Squad and an ATF Task Force, learned earlier this month that he was among 20 finalists for the Citizen Service award.

He got the call last week from the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation, setting off a flood of emotions.

"If you read anything about the Congressional Medal of Honor recipients, they're true American heroes," he said.

"To have my name mentioned in the same sentence as some of these people is very overwhelming."

Brooks' family will travel with him to Virginia for the award ceremony later this week. His extended family in the Police Department is beaming.

"What Timmy Brooks did was nothing short of heroic," said Deputy Commissioner Richard Ross. "We couldn't be more proud of him."