Jeremy Brown of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office was killed in the line of duty last summer

RIDGEFIELD — It was a dedication for a memorial bench, but it was also another opportunity to celebrate the life of Sgt. Jeremy R. Brown of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.

The Veterans and First Responders Board of SW WA presented a granite bench in honor of Brown to the Public Safety Complex at the Clark County Fairgrounds on Wednesday. 

Law enforcement officers, fire department personnel, politicians, a representative of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, and the Patriot Guard Riders were all in attendance, but they were there to thank the true guests of honor: Jill Brown, Jeremy’s wife, and other family members, including three grandchildren.

Brown’s End of Watch came on July 23, 2021. 

“He was murdered for trying to get guns off the street, and he has earned the right to be heard,” noted a quote from Clark County Chief Criminal Deputy John Horch on display at the ceremony. “Be courageous just like he was … Jeremy gave it all on July 23, 2021, so that others could live in peace. Don’t let his death be for nothing.”

Retired Judge Darvin J. Zimmerman, the founder of the board, was the master of ceremonies for the event, which was held in front of dozens of supporters outside the safety complex. Senator Lynda Wilson gave the pledge of allegiance. 

The Patriot Guard Riders presented Jill Brown with a plaque, calling Jeremy a hero.

Charles Bibens and Zimmerman presented Jill a check for $3,000. Bibens, owner of Goldies BBQ, and Zimmerman raised funds for the Brown family at an event at the restaurant earlier this year.

Teri Graves of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, gave a blessing and performed a song.

The Brown family released four doves to end the ceremony.

The Cowlitz Tribe, with its donations, has been instrumental in several community projects presented by the Veterans and First Responders Board.

After the ceremony, two of Jeremy Brown’s grandchildren were able to sit on Patriot Guard motorcycles. They turned on the engine and blasted the horn. 

This is the second of three granite benches that the Veterans and First Responders Board is donating to the community. The first, for Gold Star Families, was presented to the Armed Forces Reserve Center in March. Later this summer, the plan is to have a bench in memory of Officer Donald Sahota of the Vancouver Police Department.