George A. Brown, III (1948-2004)

End of Watch:   Tuesday, April 27, 2004

While overtaking a traffic violator on County Road 341 in Columbia County, approximately six miles south of Lake City, Sergeant Brown’s vehicle left the paved travel portion of the roadway onto the east shoulder, rotating counterclockwise and traveling into a wooded area adjacent to the shoulder, where it struck several trees. Sergeant Brown was pronounced dead at the scene.

Sergeant Brown had served the residents of Florida, with the Florida Highway Patrol, for 33 years. His career with FHP began July 6, 1970. He was in the 37th recruit class in Tallahassee, from July 6, 1970 to September 26, 1970.  He was stationed in Lake City.  At the time of his death, he was 55. He is survived by his 13-year old son, Tucker, his parents and sister.

Sergeant Brown’s Biographical Information

It is with utmost regret that we announce the untimely death of Florida Highway Patrol Sergeant George A. “Andy” Brown, III. Sergeant Brown was killed in the line of duty on Tuesday, April 27, 2004, at 10:00 a.m., while overtaking a violator on County Road 341 in Columbia County, approximately six miles south of Lake City. As both vehicles were traveling south on County Road 341, Sergeant Brown’s vehicle left the paved travel portion of the roadway onto the east shoulder, rotating counterclockwise, and traveling into a wooded area adjacent to the shoulder, where it struck several trees. Sergeant Brown was pronounced dead at the scene.

Sergeant Brown was born in Oil City, Pennsylvania, on October 27, 1948. On July 11, 1967, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps as a Lance Corporal on February 14, 1969.

Sergeant George A. “Andy” Brown, III, age 55, started his career with the Florida Highway Patrol on July 6, 1970, becoming a second-generation trooper. He was a member of the 37th Recruit Class, where he served as a Platoon Leader. His first duty assignment was Troop E – Miami. Sergeant Brown also had the pleasure of serving as a trooper in the following districts:

Troop D – Kissimmee
Troop D – Bunnell
Troop D – Deland

On June 15, 1982, he was promoted to the rank of Corporal and assigned to Troop G – Palatka as a Law Enforcement Airplane Pilot I.

On December 1, 1983, he transferred to Troop D – Sanford and served as a Law Enforcement Airplane Pilot I.

On November 16, 1984, he was reassigned to Troop D – Deland and served as a Law Enforcement Airplane Pilot I.

On December 2, 1985, he was reassigned to Troop G – Jacksonville and served as a Law Enforcement Airplane Pilot I.

On April 1, 1986, his Jacksonville position was transferred to Troop G – Palatka.

On July 17, 1995, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, first line supervisor, and remained in Palatka.

He retired from the Patrol in Palatka on June 30, 1996, as a Law Enforcement Sergeant.

After being retired for almost one year and missing serving the citizens and visitors of the State of Florida, Sergeant Brown re-applied for employment with the Patrol. He was rehired on April 1, 1997, as a Sergeant, Law Enforcement Airplane Pilot I, and assigned to Troop B – Lake City.

Sergeant Brown, a graduate of Titusville High School (Class of 1967), is survived by: One son, Tucker, thirteen years of age; Mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Anderson; Stepfather, Mr. Richard Anderson; Father, Mr. George A. Brown, Jr.; and one sister, Ms. Connie Whalen.

Sergeant Brown dedicated his career to highway safety and traffic law enforcement, making his community a better place in which to live. Although the death of Sergeant Brown comes as a great loss, we will cherish the fond memories in our hearts forever.

Sergeant Brown is the 38th Florida State Trooper killed in the line of duty.

FHP News Release: Florida Highway Patrol Sergeant Killed in Traffic Crash

Contact:
Major Ernesto Duarte
Office of Public Affairs
For Immediate Release:

It is with deep regret that we announce the untimely death of Florida Highway Patrol Sergeant George A. “Andy” Brown, III. Sergeant Brown was killed in the line of duty this morning, at approximately 10:05 a.m., while overtaking a violator on County Road 341 in Columbia County, approximately six miles south of Lake City. As both vehicles were traveling south on County Road 341, Sergeant Brown’s vehicle left the paved travel portion of the roadway onto the east shoulder, rotating counterclockwise and traveling into a wooded area adjacent to the shoulder, where it struck several trees. Sergeant Brown was pronounced dead at the scene.

Sergeant Brown is survived by his thirteen-year-old son, his mother, father and a sister. Sergeant Brown is a second-generation trooper. His father is retired Trooper George A. Brown, Jr.

Sergeant Brown started his career with the Patrol on July 6, 1970. He was a member of the 37th Recruit Class. His first duty assignment was Troop E – Miami. Sergeant Brown also served in Troops D & G. Sergeant Brown’s current assignment was Troop B – Lake City, where he served as a Law Enforcement Airplane Pilot.

Sergeant Brown dedicated his career to law enforcement, and was deeply committed to making his community a better place in which to live.

A vehicle suspected of being involved in this incident was stopped in Citrus County this afternoon after a brief pursuit. A male driver and a female passenger were taken into custody and are being questioned at this time.

Sergeant ‘Andy’ Brown is the 38th Florida State Trooper killed in the line of duty.