Sheriff’s department grieving loss of Jeremy Brown

Memorial service for sergeant is being planned; Sheriff Chuck Atkins said it will be completely based on what the Brown family desires

VANCOUVER — Clark County Sheriff Chuck Atkins shared brief details regarding the loss of Detective Jeremy Brown at a press conference Monday. Atkins told those who gathered that members of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) seek to honor Brown for his friendship and his service to the community. He indicated all are grieving, and trying to focus on the needs and wishes of the Brown family.

“It is with a sad heart and a very emotional moment, for me personally and professionally, to stand here and speak to you about a man that I so admired,” said Atkins, who praised Brown for his selfless service, protecting the people he cared for.

Detective Jeremy Brown was killed in the line of duty Friday. He had served the community for 15 years as a Clark County Sheriff Deputy. He served as a corrections deputy and a patrol deputy prior to becoming a detective. Details on a memorial service will be forthcoming. Photo from Clark County Sheriff’s Office.

“I’d like to say to Jeremy’s family, how sorry I am,” Atkins said. “I can only imagine what you’re going through, and I pray for each of you. You have the support of those you love to help get you through this difficult time. Because this is going to go on for a lifetime. This isn’t something that goes away.”

Atkins praised the strength and courage of Brown’s wife, Jill. She wanted to be the one to notify each of their children and other family members.

“For all those that were there at the hospital that night, they also witnessed the way the family came together and embraced each other,” Atkins said.

Atkins spoke about Brown’s “quick smile and kind heart” and the loss the entire sheriff’s department is feeling. The department was Brown’s other family. “You will honor Jeremy as you do your job of protecting and serving in the noble profession of law enforcement,” he said.

Atkins shared that he had recently had an extensive discussion with Brown about his coming promotion to sergeant. They talked about the balancing act of keeping family first, while seeking to continue serving the county in a new capacity. They discussed the duties Brown would have as a front line supervisor, one of the most critical positions in the agency.

“He just beamed,’’ Atkins said. “I could see the excitement in his eyes. That excitement, though, was even overshadowed and even brighter when we started talking about his family.

“He talked about how much he loved his family, a man of faith, and the friendships that he had in the community,” Atkins said. “Those things are by far, the top three things that everybody needs to know.”

Atkins thanked all the other law enforcement agencies in the community. For a 36-hour period, all responded to help by providing coverage for the community, so that the CCSO could focus on the Brown family and deal with their own grief.

He also thanked the community at large for the outpouring of support and expressions of sorrow. “I completely appreciate you,” Atkins said.

There is a behind the scenes line of death response team that is working on plans for a memorial service. It will be completely based on the Brown family desires. “The memorial is family driven,” Atkins said. “It will be exactly what Jill and the family want.”

“Know that in the law enforcement community in this family, from this day forward, he will be honorary Sergeant Jeremy Brown,” Atkins said.

Many people in the community already have brought gifts and flowers, and donations to the family. Those donations will go directly to the family. Donations can be addressed to the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Brown Family Memorial Fund, and can be deposited at any IQ Credit Union.

The Sheriff’s office updated information about the memorial fund. Due to a minor miscommunication, the donation account number for Sergeant Jeremy Brown has changed. Below is the updated information:

Financial Institution: IQ Credit Union
Account Name: Clark County Sheriff’s Office Brown Family Memorial Fund
Routing Number: 323383378
Account Number: 810006978229
Incoming Wire:
IQ Credit Union
1313 Main Street
Vancouver, WA 98660
Routing#323383378

Local residents can donate at any branch of IQ Credit Union, or mail a check to the address above, reference the account information. IQ Credit Union’s website is: https://www.iqcu.com.

Please disregard the information from a previous press release. That account has been closed. We apologize for any confusion.

All details regarding the ongoing investigation will be handled by the Vancouver Police Department.