PGPD Remembers Sgt. Joseph K. Brown (2/19/1966)

Sgt. Joseph K. Brown, Sr.

    

   Let us pause to remember our Fallen Hero, Sergeant Joseph K. Brown, Sr., lost this day in 1966 while attempting to serve an arrest warrant in Adam Sector.

       Sgt. Brown was born on December 2, 1929, in Takoma Park, Maryland.  He was raised on his family's farm in what is now the 6800 Block of New Hampshire Avenue.  Sgt. Brown attended Mount Rainier High School and the University of Maryland before joining the United States Marine Corps.  He served with honor and distinction, achieving the rank of sergeant while assigned to Camp Pendleton.  Sgt. Brown briefly joined the Takoma Park Police Department at the beginning of 1958.  On March 16, 1958, Sgt. Brown joined the Prince George's County Police Department, following in the footsteps of his father, Ralph W. Brown.  The elder Brown was among the original members of this Agency when it was formed in 1931.  The elder Brown was promoted through the ranks and eventually attained the rank of Chief in 1943, serving in that capacity until his retirement in 1950.  His son, Sgt. Brown, was assigned to the Hyattsville Station and promoted to the rank of sergeant in 1965.

       On February 19. 1966, Sgt. Brown and two of his fellow officers responded to 2211 University Boulevard, Hyattsville, Maryland to serve an arrest warrant for indecent exposure.  As the officers attempted to initiate contact with the wanted subject, his 17 year old son suddenly exited the apartment and engaged the officers in a physical confrontation.  As the officers attempted to place the youth into custody, the wanted subject exited the apartment and opened fire with a handgun, striking Sgt. Brown in the chest and wounding another officer.  Sgt. Brown was transported to Washington Sanitarium Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

       Sgt. Brown served the Prince George's County Police Department for eight years and was the fourth member of this Agency to make the Ultimate Sacrifice.  He was the fifth law enforcement officer to give his life while serving this Profession within Prince George's County, Maryland.

       At the time of his death, Sergeant Joseph K. Brown, Jr. was 36 years old and survived by his wife and son.