Chief Dennis Charles Westbrook

As he held his wife's hand, the loving, gentle heart of Chief Dennis Charles Westbrook beat for the last time at 1:44 pm, Saturday, December 10, 2011.
Dennis was born in Biloxi, September 17, 1946, to the late Charles Westbrook and Evelyn Swansine.
Dennis joined the Ocean Springs Fire Department in 1972, and became their first Assistant Fire Chief. In 1983, looking for adventure, he left Ocean Springs to become Assistant Chief of Operations with the Multinational Forces and Observers in Sinai, Egypt. Following a year there he returned to Mississippi and was Lead Instructor at the Mississippi State Fire Academy.
Dennis missed the fire department environment and in 1985, joined the Diamondhead Fire Protection District, where he served as Chief for 22 years.
Only those who knew him can understand the caring, loving heart of the man that served his community for 35 years in the fire service, and following retirement spent an additional 2 years trying to help Katrina survivors through the MEMA Cottage Program.
Besides his parents, Dennis was preceded in death by his brother, John Lynn Westbrook.
Dennis' whole world was showering his family with love. He is survived by his adoring wife, Dawna Graham, they would have celebrated their 28th anniversary December 14th; his beloved children, Dennis Westbrook II, Duncan Loughridge, Dawna Loughridge Bissett, and Devon Westbrook; his cherished grandchildren, Cameron Bissett and Linden Loughridge; his loved siblings, Theresa Ettinger, Larry, Wayne, Michael, Glenn, and Kevin Westbrook.
A family visitation will be held Thursday, December 15, 2011 from noon till 1pm at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 9113 Kiln Delisle Road in Pass Christian. Friends and acquaintances are invited to join the family from 1pm till 2pm and share in the memorial service that will begin at 2pm. A small reception following the service will be held at a location to be determined.
Memories may be shared at www.riemannfamily.com.