Written by Ben Cox – The Brown County History Museum held their second annual Thank You to local Law Enforcement on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Museum. Representatives from Brownwood and Early police departments as well as the Brown County Sheriff’s office were on hand for the event.

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Each department took home a certificate of thanks and appreciation from the History Museum to display in their respective offices. In appreciation for the gesture, Brownwood Police Chief Terry Nichols said that while it is currently tough for law enforcement officers across the nation “we’re very blessed…that we have a very supportive community.”

Area children chose from several themed prints voicing support and respect for the officers and were able to add their personal touch via a hand print to the gifts. Early P.D. patrolman Andres Contreras Jr brought his two children to the event as he received the award for Early’s police.

Brownwood Police Sergeant Art Shannon described the City of Brownwood and Brown County as “a giant support group” for law enforcement.

During a tour of the old jail, Museum volunteer and former Detroit police officer Ken Harriss showed current Brown County Sheriff Vance Hill and his wife Angie around the ground floor that housed the Sheriff and his family, who would often work in support of the jail by preparing the meals for inmates. Mrs. Hill said she feels “very extremely blessed that I don’t have to live in that day and time, but I’m sure as much as I love my husband and support him I probably would follow him and do that.”

Sheriff Hill said that “it’s a pleasure, it’s an honor” to be the sheriff, and that the community goes “above and beyond to make sure (officers) feel appreciated.” Hill thanked the museum staff and all its volunteers for putting on the event.

Museum volunteer Brandy Mills was glad to offer her support to all civil servants, because “the things we take for granted on a day to day basis, there’s somebody there that shows up every day dependably to make sure that we enjoy” life in Brown County. Mills also said the museum wants to “do our part to make sure that we appreciate all the various…peace officers who get up every day and do what they do to make our community great.”