Holly MatkinAthens, GA – Hancock County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Chief Deputy Ricky Brown died unexpectedly on April 10.
The 62-year-old chief deputy passed away at Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital, according to his obituary.
His exact cause of death was not immediately released.
Hancock County Sheriff Tomlyn Primus confirmed Chief Deputy Brown’s passing in a press release later that night.
“Today was a very difficult day at the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, Sparta/Hancock County Detention Center and Sparta/Hancock County E911 Center,” Sheriff Primus wrote. “It is [with] deep sympathy one of our beloved passed away, Chief Deputy Ricky Brown.”
“Hancock County Sheriff’s Office is asking for prayers for the Brown family and the Sheriff Office as they go through this difficult time,” the sheriff added.
Chief Deputy Brown served several years as the first black sheriff of Greene County prior to joining the HCSO, The Union-Recorder reported.
He worked as the HCSO’s chief investigator for many years before Sheriff Primus promoted him to a dual role as chief deputy.
Dozens of people offered their condolences to the HCSO and Chief Deputy Brown’s friends and family members in response to Sheriff Primus’s announcement.
“Sheriff Tia McWilliams and the staff of Taliaferro County Sheriff’s Office extends our deepest condolences to the Brown family and friends, Sheriff Primus and the staff of Hancock County Sheriff’s Office,” the Taliaferro County Sheriff’s Office wrote. “May God strengthen and comfort each of you.”
“He was a good man and a great officer,” another message read. “He treated everyone the same and never failed to speak when I saw him.”
Many wrote that they were thankful to have known Chief Deputy Brown and that he was “one of the greatest.”
“…he saved my life,” one person said.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Hancock County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Ricky Brown, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
