M.G. Brinkley, task-force cop loved his family, cars

THAT BIG GUY holding forth at the cafes and coffee shops of Center City, sipping his espresso, laughing it up with friends, was a former cop who didn't hesitate to kick in a door with the police narcotics strike force.

From his friendly demeanor, you wouldn't know that Michael G. Brinkley had that kind of aggression in him, but when you're a cop chasing a suspect you don't let a door get in your way.

Mike Brinkley, a 15-year veteran of the force, onetime chaplain of the Guardian Civic League, and a passionate sports-car buff, died suddenly March 16. He was 52 and lived in West Philadelphia.

Besides his service as a cop, Mike was proud of his Ford Mustangs. He worked to make them car-show worthy, and traveled to shows and racetracks around the region, including Atco in New Jersey. His cars were also race-worthy, but Mike didn't race them.

"I think he was a little nervous about that," said his daughter Torraya. "But he loved rebuilding those cars to make them show-worthy."

Mike was born in Philadelphia to Leon A. and Betty J. Brinkley. He grew up in Southwest Philadelphia and attended Overbrook High School.

Upon entering the Police Department in 1997, he was assigned to the 24th-25th Districts in Hunting Park, before transferring to the strike force.

He saw plenty of action with the strike force: Its job is to fight gun and drug violations in high-crime areas.

"He kicked in a lot of doors," his daughter said.

But the big man also liked to kick back and enjoy his leisure time with his many friends, drinking espresso, laughing and joking.

"Enough cannot be said about how much he loved his family, made friends everywhere and was well-loved by everyone," his daughter said.

Mike was long active with the Guardian Civic League, the Philadelphia chapter of the National Black Police Association, which works to improve the department's response to the needs of its black officers. As chaplain, he was concerned with the spiritual needs of officers.

Mike suffered an injury on the job and retired last year.

Besides Torraya, he is survived by two other daughters, Tia and Veronique; and two sons, Torron and Terrell.

Services: 10 a.m. Saturday at Tindley Temple United Methodist Church, 750 S. Broad St. Friends may call at 9 a.m. Burial will be in Eden Cemetery, in Collingdale.