Curtis Dewayne Brown was born in Dalhart, Texas. When Curtis was young, his family moved to Haven, Kansas, where he grew up and graduated high school. Shortly after the birth of his son, Dustin, he returned to Dalhart. His brother, Billy, a member of the Dalhart Fire Department, recruited Curtis to join. At the Dalhart Fire Department, Curtis found his passion and true calling and served for 27 years. He was quickly recognized as a leader, promoted to captain his first year, and continued rising to the rank of chief. He was adamant about training and safety. His motto was “Let no man’s ghost say his training failed him.” There was something about Curtis that made you willing to follow him anywhere. He was dedicated and did whatever he could to better the fire department and serve the community.

Curtis was chief of the Dalhart Fire Department and achieved the level of master firefighter. As fire marshal for Dalhart, he was the only paid firefighter. He was an instructor at the world’s largest live fire training facility located at Texas A&M and taught at other area fire schools. He was second vice president for the state firemen’s association (SFFMA) and past president for the local firemen’s association (PFFMA). He was president of the local fire-based motorcycle club, Brother’s Keepers Chapter 42. He was active in the local community, serving as a board member for the blood bank, president of Rotary Club, and coach and board member for softball/baseball leagues. Curtis was EMS ECA certified. He saw the need neighboring EMS had, so he joined Hartley Fire and EMS also.

Curtis enjoyed all kinds of music and would loudly sing along to almost any song while traveling down the road. He enjoyed riding 4-wheelers, ATVs, and motorcycles. He was a joy to be around, and if you were upset or having a bad day, it was impossible to stay that way around him. He loved pranks and picking on people; you never knew what he was going to do next. He was truly a kid at heart; perhaps that is why the area kids loved him so much. He enjoyed visiting the schools with his dalmatian, Arlo, and teaching the kids about fire safety.

Curtis leaves a devoted family to cherish his memory and carry on his legacy, including wife, DeNisa; sons, Dustin (Elisa) and Jordan (McKenzie); daughters, Hannah, Janice (Mike), and Amber (Robert); eight grandchildren; brother, Paul; stepmom, Lila; stepfather, Charles; and nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and many fire brothers and sisters.

Joining him in heaven: dad, Richard; mom, Linda; brother, Billy; sister, Angela; and grandparents.