Derek Myers, Editor-in-chief
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Officials spent Wednesday reflecting on a man who spent 46 years as a public servant behind a five-point star in a black uniform.
Fayette County Sheriff Vernon P. Stanforth said that the man who touched many lives over several decades worked tirelessly to serve the public.
“He devoted 46 years to serving Fayette and Pickaway Counties,” Stanforth said. “Through dedication and tireless devotion, he worked diligently as a criminal investigator for decades.”
Stanforth is talking about Corporal J. Phillip Brown, 63, a deputy with the Fayette County Sheriff’s office who died Tuesday night after he scummed to injuries sustained in an April 8 crash.
Brown was traveling on U.S. 22 near Keyes Road — just outside Williamsport in Pickaway County — when he lost control of his county issued 2012 Dodge Charger.
Brown — who lives in Pickaway County — lost control due to a medical condition, according to Stanforth.
He struck a culvert and a utility pole before overturning the vehicle onto its top.
A medical helicopter landed at the scene and transported him to The Wexner Medical Center in Columbus where he was listed in critical condition.
On Monday, the decision was made to remove Brown from all life support with his family gathered by his bedside. He died Tuesday night at 11:15 p.m.
“Phil believed he was held to a higher standard and valued his integrity to assure the people were served,” Stanforth said. “Phil was a personal friend of mine who I will miss. The law enforcement community extends our sympathy to the Brown family.”
Fayette County Prosecutor Jess Weade — who worked closely with Brown on countless investigations — said that the Brown family were in his thoughts and prayers.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Phil, his family, and his fellow officers during this difficult time,” Weade said.
Born with a soul that had courage to wear a badge, Brown had been serving, protecting, and saving the people since 1967 by beginning his law enforcement career as a dispatcher with the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, and continued in that position until December of 1968.
In January 1969, he became employed by the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office as a dispatcher.
In September of 1971, Brown became a commissioned officer with Pickaway County, and received his Ohio Peace Officer training at the Chillicothe Training School.
In 1972, he was assigned as a Deputy in the patrol division and served in that capacity until 1976 when he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and transferred to the Detective Bureau. Then in 1986, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, and was made Commander of the patrol, detective and communications divisions.
During his tenure with the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office, he attended Northwestern University for accident reconstruction and major crime scene investigations. He also attended Case Western University for major search and seizure crimes.
He attended numerous schools and seminars sponsored by the FBI and the Buckeye State Sheriff’s Association.
Brown was involved in numerous homicide investigations resulting in many convictions.
In 1984, he was selected as Officer of the Year by the “Hall Adkins, American Legion Post 134″ in Circleville, Ohio. In 1992, he was selected as the “Blue Coat of the Year” by the Knights of Columbus, and went on to receive the “Blue Coat of the Year” by the Columbus Diocese.
In 1998, Brown received “Deputy of the Year” award from the VFW Post 3331 in Circleville, Ohio; he has received numerous other awards and recognition from various organizations.
On August 1, 2001, Brown retired from the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office with a jacket full of commendations and awards, a testament to his honor, integrity, and bravery.
On January 23, 2003, he was sworn in as a commissioned Deputy Sheriff with the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office as a Corporal.
He was a member of the Pickaway Lodge #23 F. and A.M., Washington Shrine Club, Circleville Elks Lodge, Circleville Moose Lodge, Buckeye State Sheriff’s Association, Scottish Rite, Alladin Temple AANMS Columbus.
He ran against longtime former Pickaway County Sheriff Dwight Radcliff in 2004 and 2008, losing both elections.
Despite running against his father twice, current Pickaway County Sheriff Robert Radcliff said that Brown was always family to him.
Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 22, 2013 in The Maxwell Center at the Ohio Christian University, with Rev. Joy Stanforth and Dr. Doyne N. Wiggins officiating. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Circleville.
The family will receive friends from 2-8 p.m. Sunday at the The Maxwell Center at the Ohio Christian University.
Funeral services are under the direction of Schoedinger of Columbus.