Written by Amanda Coers – The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a Law Enforcement Appreciation Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, May 18th, in the Coggin Avenue Baptist Church Connection Center. 

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Chamber Director Ray Tipton introduced the co-host for the event, the Director of Criminal Justice at Howard Payne University, Lynn Humeniuk. Together, they recognized the various law enforcement agencies present for the luncheon, which included the Adult Probation Office, Brown County Constables, the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Rangers, the District Attorney’s Office, Brownwood Lake Patrol, the Early Police Department, the Brown County Justice of the Peace, Howard Payne University’s Department of Public Safety, the Office of Inspector General, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Game Wardens, the Brownwood Police Department, Brown County Court at Law, the 35th District Court, Fire Marshal Buddy Preston, Heart of Texas Crime Stoppers, and the families and spouses of law enforcement.

Brown County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy James Stroope presented two awards to Les Rush – maintenance, and Marvin Simpson – Deputy. 

“Les saved the county several thousands of dollars by doing upgrades around the jail,” Chief Stroope said of Rush, who was unable to attend the event. Stroope also recognized Deputy Simpson for his work in law enforcement for the Sheriff’s Office.   

Brownwood Police Chief Terry Nichols presented the 2017 Office of the Year Award for his department to Detective Kim Holland, pictured at top. 

“We received five nominations for office of the year, four of them were Kim,” Chief Nichols said as he presented her award. The Chief praised Holland for her work recovering stolen firearms from unlocked cars, working after hours, and weekends filling in wherever needed. Chief Nichols called Detective Holland, “Determined, aggressive, down right pit bull in her duties to bring criminals to justice.”

Brownwood Mayor Stephen Haynes was asked to come forward to say a few words. 

“I wanted to say thank you,” Mayor Haynes said. “For us as a community we need to show gratitude to the people who make a difference in our lives. You really do make a difference, we are thankful and blessed in the City of Brownwood to have such great law enforcement.” 

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Lynn Humeniuk gave a few closing remarks. 

“You make it safe for us to be able to be in our homes,” she said. “A home is a place where you go and you can stay, we feel safe, we can’t do that without all of you out there.” 

The Presenting Sponsor for the event was TexasBank, with Supporting Sponsors: Coldwell Banker – Mark Campbell & Associates, Davis-Morris Funeral Home, and Heart of Texas Crime Stoppers. 

Meal sponsors for the luncheon contributed to pay for meals for members of law enforcement attending the event. Sponsors included: Andy’s Pest Troopers, Bob’s Fuels, Brownwood ENT & Allergy, Brownwood Family Care, Brownwood Medical Associates, Brownwood Music, Brownwood Surgical Associates, Brownwood Music, Brownwood Surgical Associates, Brown County Commissioner Gary Worley, Doc’s Drugstore, Eastlawn Memorial Park, Echo Wireless Broadband, Heart of Texas General Surgery, Heart of Texas Internal Medicine, Heartland Funeral & Cremation Service, Howard Payne University, Jacob’s Family Pharmacy, Kohler Company, One Source Express Care Clinic, Pitts Stop Portia Potty, Ranger College, Redstone Park Retirement and Assisted Living, River Crest Hospital, Ronnie and Brandy Mills, Star of Texas Bed & Breakfast, and Wayne Childs – Stream Independent Associate.