Community celebrates Thomas E. Brown bridge dedication in DeKalb County

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–On Thursday, July 20, a host of Georgia’s elected officials, community leaders and sheriffs gathered for a bridge dedication in honor of Thomas E. Brown, the longest-serving elected sheriff in the county’s history. Brown also holds the distinction as U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Georgia. He was appointed as marshal by President Joe Biden on Oct.17, 2022.

State Rep. Angela Moore (D-Decatur), who served as mistress of ceremony for the bridge ceremony, sponsored House Resolution 349 to dedicate the bridge on State Route 10 over I-285 in DeKalb County in honor of Brown. The resolution was incorporated during the 2023 legislative session into House Resolution 256, which serves as the Georgia General Assembly’s annual road/bridge dedication legislation.

The dedication program included the Invocation by the Rev. William E. Flippin, Sr., Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church; Welcome by State Rep. Karla Drenner; Occasion was given by State Rep. Omari Crawford; Sign Unveiling presentation was made by State Sen. Elena Parent.

Brown began his law enforcement career in 1989 in DeKalb County as Public Safety Director. In this position, he oversaw the county’s Police, Fire, Emergency Medical Services, and Animal Control departments, the 911 Communications Center, and Emergency Management. Brown was first elected DeKalb County’s Sheriff in 2001, serving four terms.

Brown introduced the concept of Community-Oriented Policing Services in the Police Department in 1992, achieved the Department’s national accreditation with the Commission of Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies, and established fire safety programs taught in the school system through the Public Safety Community Relations Unit. The program resulted in large drops in fire-related deaths in residential homes. He also spearheaded many capital improvements, such as renovation of the Public Safety Building.