After an extensive interview process, Franklinton Mayor Richard Dillon and the Board of Aldermen are pleased to announce the appointment of Maj. Justin Brown to the position of Chief of Police for the Town of Franklinton.

Brown will serve as acting chief from Feb. 1 until the time of his swearing-in ceremony, tentatively scheduled for Feb. 12. Brown’s appointment follows the recent resignation of Olander Smith, who has served as Chief of Police since December of 2015.

Brown is a 24-year law enforcement officer and 17-year military veteran. He attended both Southeastern Louisiana University and the Community College of the Air Force, where he majored in Criminal Justice. He has extensive experience in all aspects of law enforcement, having served as an investigator, narcotics officer, patrolman, and dispatcher. Most recently, he has served in the assistant chief role at the FPD.

Brown holds numerous certifications and instructor credentials, including Louisiana POST Firearms Instructor, Forensic Interviewer, FBI Certified Sniper, FBI Post Blast Investigator, Active Shooter Instructor, Swift Water Rescue Operator, Certified Homicide Investigator, First Aid / CPR and Combat Medic Instructor, and Critical Incident Stress Management Counselor. He has been twice named Officer of the Year and has received the Life Saving Award during his tenure at the Franklinton Police Department. Brown has been instrumental in the planning and development of the department’s crisis response program through our school system. Brown has also written and facilitated a number of grants for the Town of Franklinton.

During his 17 years in the Louisiana Air National Guard, Sgt. Brown was a member of the 159th Security Forces Squadron. He was deployed locally for every hurricane over this period and was a team leader and instructor with the Louisiana National Guard Special Reaction Team after Hurricane Katrina. Following the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, Brown was called to active duty and deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He received numerous awards and decorations during his military service, including both Army and Air Force Achievement medals, Air Force Expeditionary Medal, and the Louisiana War Cross.

Brown is currently serving as a board member with the Franklinton Youth Baseball Association and has coached the FPD’s little league baseball team for the past five years. He is a strong supporter of schools, organizations, and charities. He has represented the FPD in the Louisiana Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit Special Olympics.

Brown is the son of Franklinton residents David and Marsha Brown. He and his wife Meghann Cassidy Brown have three children: Brody, Addison, and Drew.

“I am humbled and honored to be selected as the new Chief of Police for the Town of Franklinton,” Brown said. “I intend to lead from the front, drawing on the many talents of our amazing officers. Our mission will be focused on crime prevention, community interaction, and public service. I pray God will continue to watch over our town, the Franklinton Police Department, and the selfless officers who put their lives on the line each and every day in order to make a difference.

“I also pray for wisdom and guidance as I am entrusted with this new role. My heartfelt thanks and appreciation go out to the Mayor, Town Council, our police officers, and all that continue to support our department. I look forward to the new opportunities ahead and will strive to continue building strong working relationships with fellow agencies and our community.”

The Mayor and Aldermen expressed their gratitude to each of the candidates that participated in the interview process and shared their pride in the wealth of talented and dedicated law enforcement officers in our community.