Chester Brown
Khai Le
PPAGLA member Chester Brown of Burbank, passed away on September 22, 2021, just 4 days shy of his 71th birthday. He was born September 26, 1950. According to the Burbank Fire Department, Brown was found dead at his home following surgery the day before.
Chester Brown joined the PPAGLA in 2015 as an independent still and video photographer. Brown was described as a gifted fire action photographer. He regularly contributed photos to the Los Angeles Fire Department and would frequently photograph airplanes at the Burbank airport, according to PPAGLA member Mike Meadows.
Brian Humphrey, Firefighter/Specialist - Public Service Officerwith the Los Angeles Fire Department, had the following comments: "To describe Chester as gifted and beloved would be an understatement. Like many in the fire service, we came to know Chester as both an amateur radio operator and an action photographer, two passions that he effectively intertwined for the good of our community. Though Chester had a great ear, a welcomed voice, and an eagle eye, he will always be remembered by first responders for his deeply caring heart. Indeed, there remains no greater affirmation of our effectiveness at the scene of an emergency, than to have heard the click of a shutter and have Chester quietly say ‘Got It’. While saddened by his untimely passing, we are grateful to know that Chester's photographs and mentorship will continue to inspire emergency action photographers for generations to come."
Brown had worked as an Emergency Management Specialist at the U.S. Government Veterans Affairs Medical Center. After his retirement, he volunteered there frequently. Of course, he was a proud veteran.
Brown was also an amateur radio operator with the call sign K6CRB, which included his initials, akin to a vanity plate for amateur radio operators. He was active in Burbank BEARS (Burbank Emergency Amateur Radio Service) and was a long-time member of another radio group, the Southern California Monitoring Association.
Chester Brown is survived by three sons - Jeffery Brown, Kevin Brown, Christopher Brown - and two daughters - Beverly Brown and Jennifer Brown.