Brookville Police Chief Announces Resignation

BROOKVILLE, Pa. (EYT) – Brookville Police Chief Jason Brown surprised Council by announcing his resignation at Tuesday night’s meeting.

Brown, who has served as Chief of Police for the last four years, became emotional as he made his announcement that his last day on the job will be February 16.

“I came here to make Brookville a better place, and I believe I have done that,” Brown said. “We’ve got a great force here, and I know they will do a great job. I’ve been a cop for 30 years, and I’m not going to be a cop anymore.”

Brown is leaving Brookville to go to work for the Monroe County School District in Florida as its new Safety and Security Coordinator.

The district is located in the Florida Keys and encompasses an area ranging from Key West to Key Largo.

Brown said it is a newly-created position in the school district.

“Hurricane Irma was their wakeup call,” Brown said. “I’ll be the liaison for the district with fire, police and other emergency agencies.”

Brown, 51, previously served for 25 years with the St. Clair Shores Police Department in Michigan.

The announcement genuinely caught all members of council off guard.

“We wish you well Chief,” Council President Phil Hynes said. “We are surprised by the announcement. It’s been a good ride, but it will be a challenge to replace you.”

Council accepted his resignation with regret.

Council Vice President Bill Kutz wished Brown well in the Keys.

“It appears to me you’ve done a great job with drug enforcement,” Kutz said. “You’ve kicked some real butt there. I wish you well.”

Borough Solicitor James Dennison joked that he’d be joining Brown in the Keys while commending him for his work in Brookville.

“I’ve enjoyed working with the Chief these last four years and I wish him well,” Dennison said.

Hynes said Council would begin a search for Brown’s replacement.