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***UPDATE CELEBRATION OF LIFE FOR LT. ERNIE BROWN***
Released by: Sergeant Jayson Janes
Date: September 13, 2022
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office will be closing all offices including the jail administration office on September 14, 2022 at 12:30 PM in order for our staff to attend the celebration of life for Lt. Ernie Brown.
As a reminder, the celebration of life for Lt. Ernie Brown will be taking place on September 14 at 2:00 PM at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds in the Middle Sister building. The public is welcome to attend. The media is also welcome to attend. Media will be directed to the designated media area upon arrival.
The Sheriff’s Office will livestream Lt. Brown’s celebration of life for those unable to attend. The livestream can be found at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCewAnOckHUpOwN2njCwpm7A/videos?view=2&live_view=502
Lt. Brown’s family requests instead of flowers, donations be made in Lt. Brown’s name to any of these organizations: Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation (Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation), Creating Memories for Disabled Children (Creating Memories for Disabled Children), or Tight Blue Lines.
***UPDATE MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR LT. ERNIE BROWN***
Released by: Sergeant Jayson Janes
Date: September 9, 2022
The memorial for Lt. Ernie Brown will be taking place on Wednesday September 14, 2022 at 2:00 PM. The service will take place in the Middle Sister building at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds. Members of the public are invited to attend the service.
***UPDATED TIME FRAME FOR PROCESSION***
Released by: Sergeant Jayson Janes
Date: September 7, 2022
At this time it is estimated the procession will arrive in the City of Sisters at approximately 12:30-12:45 PM
Arrival into the City of Bend at approximately 1:00-1:15 PM
Arrival at Niswonger-Reynolds at approximately 1:15-1:30 PM
If there are any further drastic changes in arrival times an updated press release will be sent out.
***UPDATE PROCESSION FOR LT. ERNIE BROWN****
RELEASED BY: Sergeant Jayson Janes
On September 7, 2022 the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and Lt. Brown’s family will be bringing Lt. Brown back home from Springfield to Bend.
Members of the public are welcome to view the procession and show their support for Lt. Brown’s family. The route and approximate arrival times for the procession are outlined below:
Highway 20 through the City of Sisters, arriving approximately 11:30 AM
Hwy 20 east into the City of Bend, arriving approximately 12:00 PM
South on 3rd St to NW Greenwood Ave.
West on NW Greenwood Ave. to NW Hill St.
South on NW Hill St to Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home 105 NW Irving Ave, Bend
Arriving at Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home approximately 12:15 PM
All local first responders are welcome to participate in the procession. Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office members will be staging at Black Butte Ranch at 10:30 AM and will be joining in the procession from that location.
***END OF UPDATE***
RELEASED BY: Sergeant Jayson Janes
DATE: September 6, 2022
On September 4, 2022 the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office was informed that Lt. Ernie Brown died in an off duty motorcycle crash in Junction City, Oregon. Lt. Brown was transported to the hospital after the crash, but passed away from injuries he received.
Lt. Brown began his career with the Sheriff’s Office 24 years ago as a technician in our corrections division. Lt. Brown became a corrections deputy in 2001. During his time with the Sheriff’s Office, Lt. Brown proved himself to be a leader. Ernie earned the rank of Sergeant in 2011. He later became the Sheriff’s Office training Sergeant before being promoted to Lieutenant in 2019. Lt. Brown was also a founding member of the DCSO SWAT Team and the Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard.
Lt. Brown was a veteran having proudly served in the United States Marine Corps.
Lt. Brown is survived by his wife and three adult children. His family is requesting their privacy during this tragic time.
“Ernie was a humble and kind man, a selfless public servant, and dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. He touched many lives and was always willing to lend a helping hand to everyone. Our office has lost a great teammate and friend, and our community has lost a dedicated public servant.” Sheriff L. Shane Nelson
"Our family would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and honor for our beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. Thank you for helping us through this most difficult time." Brown/Piatt family