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March 28, 2024

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Clark County Sheriff: Slain detective Brown “a man I so admired”

Detective Jeremy Brown was shot and killed Friday night in east Vancouver

By Becca Robbins, Columbian staff reporter
Published: July 26, 2021, 3:50pm

Clark County Sheriff Chuck Atkins promoted slain Detective Jeremy Brown to honorary sergeant at a press conference Monday morning remembering Brown’s life and career.

“I know how much he wanted that,” Atkins said, recalling conversations he had with Brown, 46, about his career ambitions at the sheriff’s office.

Atkins described Brown’s “quick smile” and how he prioritized his family, faith and friends, in addition to the job. He called Brown “a man I so admired.”

Brown — a 15-year veteran of the sheriff’s office and detective with the Clark-Vancouver Drug Task Force — was fatally shot Friday evening while conducting surveillance on a group of people at an east Vancouver apartment complex.

He is survived by five adult children and wife, Jill, according to sheriff’s spokesman Sgt. Brent Waddell.

“I’d like to say to Jeremy’s family how sorry I am that this happened. I can only imagine what you’re going through, and I pray for each of you and that 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 said.

Brown had been with the regional drug task force since 2017. He previously worked as a corrections deputy and patrol deputy with the sheriff’s office. Before that, he served with the Washington State Department of Corrections and as a reserve officer with the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office in Montana. He was a military police officer in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1993 to 1995.

“For those that worked with Jeremy and knew him and his other family, the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, I am heartbroken for the impact that this has had on you individually,” Atkins said.

He thanked the law enforcement agencies that have shared condolences and covered for the sheriff’s office as it helps Brown’s family and also grieves.

He said the fact that the prime suspect in Brown’s shooting was arrested Sunday in Salem, Ore., gives the sheriff’s office some “comfort” and “resolve” Monday.

Atkins also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community.

The state organization Behind the Badge Foundation will be organizing a memorial for Brown, in accordance with his family’s wishes, Atkins said.

8 Photos
A memorial for Clark County sheriff's Detective Jeremy Brown depicts a mourning band over a badge with his end of watch date.
Aftermath of fatal shooting of Clark County detective Photo Gallery

Late Monday afternoon, Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle issued a statement on Brown’s line-of-duty death:

“Jeremy was a valued member of our law enforcement community that works around the clock to make Vancouver safer. He was also a father, son, husband and friend. His life was taken tragically, and the deep loss felt by so many defies words. We hope the caring and compassion in our hearts provides some comfort to those closest to him, and that the apprehension of all suspects over the weekend gives us some confidence in justice.

“These are challenging times for the law enforcement profession in communities across our nation and here at home. The city council and I are grateful for and respect the work of officers in our community, and especially recognize the impact of both the work and the death of Detective Sgt. Jeremy Brown.”

People can donate to the Clark County Sheriff’s Office Brown Family Memorial Fund at any branch of IQ Credit Union: routing number, 323383378; account number, 800006978226

Officers killed in the line of duty

Nine local law enforcement officers have died in the line of duty since 1922, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and Columbian archives.

Over the past decade, 1,763 law enforcement officers died in the line of duty — an average of 176 per year. There were 306 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty in 2020 across the U.S., statistics from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund show.

July 23, 2021: Detective Jeremy Brown, Clark County Sheriff’s Office. Brown was shot in his vehicle while conducting surveillance at an east Vancouver apartment complex. The shooting investigation is ongoing.

July 30, 2004: Sgt. Brad Crawford, Clark County Sheriff’s Office. Crawford was killed when his unmarked patrol car was intentionally rammed by a pickup whose driver was fleeing a domestic disturbance at his home.

March 2, 1987: Trooper James S. Gain, Washington State Patrol. Gain died just after he had stopped a motorist for speeding on Interstate 5 near Salmon Creek. He was standing on the shoulder when a truck hit him.

Nov. 18, 1976: Deputy Martin Sowders, Clark County Sheriff’s Office. Sowders was accidentally shot and killed by another deputy during a shootout with a suspect wanted for robbing a pharmacy.

Dec. 21, 1951: Trooper Don R. Campbell Jr., Washington State Patrol. Campbell was struck by a vehicle while directing traffic.

Sept. 29, 1932: Special Agent Ballard W. Turner, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Turner was shot while raiding a still in Vancouver.

Oct. 15, 1932: Special Agent Ernest B. Vlasich, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Vlasich was shot by a suspect in Vancouver while attempting an arrest.

May 22, 1927: Clark County Sheriff Lester Wood. The newly elected sheriff and some of his deputies were searching for a still near Yacolt when Wood was confronted by a gunman. He rounded a bend and was shot and killed.

Aug. 7, 1922: Deputy Wilfred E. Rorison, Clark County Sheriff’s Office. Rorison was killed during a raid on a moonshine still when he and two prohibition agents were met by gunfire.

Vancouver shooting

Guillermo Raya LeonSuspect in death of Clark County sheriff’s detective arrested in Oregon
Detectives from the U.S. Marshals Service Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force and the Salem, Ore., Police Department have arrested the prime suspect in the…
Clark County sheriff Det.Clark County Sheriff: Slain detective Brown “a man I so admired”
Clark County Sheriff Chuck Atkins promoted slain Detective Jeremy Brown to honorary sergeant at a press conference Monday morning remembering Brown’s life and career.
Misty Raya, 35, makes a first appearance in Clark County Superior Court on July 26, 2021, on a warrant in a June burglary case. Clark County Prosecutor Tony Golik said the weapon used to fatally shoot sheriff's Detective Jeremy Brown was one of 27 stolen in the burglary.Prosecutor: Woman stole firearm used to kill Clark County detective
Clark County Prosecutor Tony Golik told a judge Monday morning the weapon used to fatally shoot Clark County sheriff’s Detective Jeremy Brown was one of…
Law enforcement officers investigate the scene of a reported shooting at The Pointe Apartments on Friday evening.Detective’s death prompts outpouring of grief, sympathy
Condolences came pouring in for the Clark County Sheriff’s Office and family of Detective Jeremy Brown, who was shot and killed Friday evening in east…
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