BLACKSBURG, Va. – Bill Brown was an important figure for many in the New River Valley, specifically in the Town of Blacksburg.
Brown became an officer for the Blacksburg Police Department in 1970, was appointed as Chief of Police in 1994, and served as chief until 2006. He was both the first Black officer, and the first Black police chief in the New River Valley. On top of that, became the first elected Black man to the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors in 2008.
Brown made an impact on the community not only by being a chief, officer, and public servant, but by ensuring everyone in the town felt seen and safe. Countless members of the community praised his kindness and passion for his work.
“He was just a special fellow, and uh, he gave so much service to not only his community but to so many different people and we have been blessed by knowing him.”
Claudia Goldstein
On January 24, the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police announced that Brown had sadly passed away at the age of 77. His funeral was held on February 1.
