BCSO’s Brown Presented Medal of Valor By Joe Biden

DECISIVE ACTIONS SAVES WOMAN'S LIFE

ABOVE VIDEO: On Wednesday, Vice President Joe Biden and Attorney General Eric Holder hosted a Medal of Valor ceremony that honored Sergeant Michael Brown of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Department.

WASHINGTON, DC – Vice President Joe Biden and Attorney General Eric Holder hosted a Medal of Valor ceremony on Wednesday that honored Sergeant Michael Brown of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Department.

The Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor, authorized by the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Act of 2001, is the highest national award for valor presented to a public safety officer.

The medal is awarded to public safety officers who have exhibited exceptional courage, regardless of personal safety, in the attempt to save or protect human life.

The Medal of Valor is awarded by the President of the United States, or his designee, to public safety officers cited by the Attorney General. Public safety officers are nominated by the chiefs or directors of their employing agencies and recommended by the Medal of Valor Review Board.

Sergeant Brown receives the award for his heroic actions in saving the life of a woman during an attempted murder by her estranged boyfriend.

“We are very proud of Sergeant Mike Brown and this prestigious recognition,’ said Sheriff Ivey.

“Please join me in congratulating Mike for all of his incredible achievements!”

 SGT. BROWN’S QUICK, DECISIVE ACTIONS SAVES WOMAN’S LIFE

On September 6, 2011, the Sheriff’s Office received an emergency 9-1-1 call in the area of the Patrick Air Force Base, where the caller said that he had just witnessed a woman exit a vehicle and start running while shouting for help.

A man exited the car, grabbed the woman and forcibly placed her back in the car.

The man then drove southbound on A1A with the passenger door still open. The caller believed he had just witnessed a kidnapping.

Brevard County Sheriff’s Sergeant Mike Brown was in the area and spotted a vehicle matching the description traveling west on the causeway. He then turned on his blue lights and siren in an attempt to stop the vehicle.

Unfortunately, the man driving the vehicle refused to stop.

Sgt. Brown then observed a physical altercation between the driver and passenger and the vehicle was weaving in and out of the traffic lane. The erratic movements of the vehicle were a result of the female passenger attempting to grab and pull at the steering wheel.

The driver was refusing to stop, and the vehicle continued westbound at a high rate of speed. The vehicle then made an abrupt turn to the right and drove right into the Indian River and came to rest in the water, more than 100 feet from shore.

Fearing the man might be injuring the woman, Sgt. Brown immediately jumped into the water, maneuvering towards the vehicle. As he approached, he could see the driver repeatedly striking the passenger. As he reached the vehicle he then saw that the man was repeatedly stabbing the woman with a large knife.

As an experienced deputy, who is no stranger to dangerous situations, he moved into a position so that if he discharged his firearm, the bullet would not pass through the assailant and strike the woman adding to her injuries.

Sgt. Brown fired through the window, striking the driver.

Thanks to Sgt. Brown’s abilities, the vicious attack was halted. He then worked to rescue the critically injured woman from the vehicle and carried her to shore for medical attention.

He then returned to the vehicle to see if the driver needed medical attention, but it was determined the man was dead.

The victim was transported to the hospital with life threatening injuries.

As a result of the attack, she sustained 31 stab wounds and lacerations and had a broken wrist. After emergency treatment and surgery we are very thankful to advise the woman survived and has since recovered.

Brevard County Sheriff’s Office investigators believe the man’s intent was to kill the woman and then commit suicide. Sgt. Brown’s quick and decisive actions were the only thing standing between the victim dying from this brutal attack and her survival.

His actions on that day led to his unanimous selection as BCSO’S Deputy Sheriff of the year. In addition to being the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sheriff of the Year, he was also recognized with a Life Saving Award and the agency’s highest award, the Medal of Valor.

Additionally, Sergeant Brown was selected and received one of our nation’s most prestigious law enforcement awards, the “Award of Valor” from the National Sheriff’s Association.

Now retired from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Sergeant Brown proudly served the citizens of Brevard County for 25 years. During his service, Sgt. Brown was awarded multiple Letters of Appreciation and Commendations and most notably, two Life Saving Awards and the Medal of Valor.

More information about the award, the Medal of Valor Review Board members, and the nomination process is available HERE.

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