HONORING THE LIFE OF CHIEF WILLIAM "BILL" BROWN

HONORING THE LIFE OF CHIEF WILLIAM "BILL" BROWN

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 18 (Tuesday, January 28, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 18 (Tuesday, January 28, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E75-E76] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE OF CHIEF WILLIAM ``BILL'' BROWN ______ HON. H. MORGAN GRIFFITH of virginia in the house of representatives Tuesday, January 28, 2025 Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Chief William ``Bill'' Brown, who passed away on January 24th. Chief Brown is remembered for his integral roles in advancing the safety [[Page E76]] and well-being of his community in Montgomery County, Virginia. After his birth in West Virginia, much of Mr. Brown's early life centered in Southwest Virginia. As one of 12 children, he graduated with the last class of the all-Black Christiansburg Institute in 1966. Following his graduation, Mr. Brown answered his country's call and enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He served the 9th Infantry Division and rose to the rank of Sergeant. Upon his return home, Mr. Brown pursued a career in law enforcement. In 1970, the Blacksburg Police Department hired Mr. Brown, making him the first black police officer in the New River Valley. For more than three decades, Mr. Brown executed his role with steadfast professionalism and respect. This work was recognized by American Legion Post 182, who awarded him the 1984 Outstanding Young Law Enforcement award. The dedication and work ethic Mr. Brown brought to the Blacksburg Police Department resulted in his appointment to Chief of Police in 1994. He continued as Chief until his retirement in 2006. His outstanding tenure with the police department was marked by strong relationships, positive attitudes and a legacy of contributions to the police department. Following his tenure with Blacksburg PD, the citizens of Montgomery County elected Chief Brown to a seat on the County's Board of Supervisors. His service on the Board lasted from 2008 to 2015. Chief Brown was trusted by his peers to serve as the Board's chairman for his last two years before retiring. As a result of his public service and contributions to the Blacksburg community, the new William H. Brown Blacksburg Police Department building is named in his honor. Mr. Brown is preceded in death by his parents Melvin & Ulysses, brothers Herbert and Kenneth, and sister Dr. Marlene Faye Brown. Mr. Brown will be dearly missed by his loved ones, including his wife Rebecca Brown, to whom he was married for 55 years, sisters Dorthy M. Vanderhall, Denise Holland (Mike), brothers Melvin C. Brown Jr., John C. Brown (Brenda), Earl T. Brown, Mack W. Browh (Karen), Gregory V. Brown (Laurie) and Theron U. Brown, his children and grandchildren. I join Montgomery County in mourning Chief Brown's passing. Peers, community members and countless others praise Mr. Brown for his profound leadership and lifetime service to the citizens of Montgomery County. We are extremely grateful for Chief Brown's admirable service. ____________________