ADAMS TWP — The sudden death of a gentle and beloved police chief has staggered the emergency medical community in southwestern Butler County.

Ed Brooks, 55, died of natural causes Thursday afternoon at the Alle-Kiski Medical Center in Natrona Heights. He had been the former police chief in Middlesex Township and was the assistant chief for the Adams Township Police Department at the time of his death.

Here is what some people said about his death:

• Middlesex Township manager Scott Fodi: "A teddy bear with a badge. He was a really nice guy who happened to be a police officer."

"You hear people talk about a loss. Now I understand what they mean. I'm speechless."

• Bill Westerman, Adams Township police chief: "I don't know what we're going to do. We're all so saddened. He was the greatest guy in the world."

• Mars Police Chief Kevin Radford: "He spent a lot of time reaching out to children. They connected with him and loved him."

• William Pettigrew, Mars School District superintendent: "We are so saddened by his sudden departure. Ed has been such a mainstay here.

"We will always continue to keep him in our memories as a good person and a good officer. He was always helpful and always there when we needed him."