David Ewing (left) had the honor of introducing our keynote speaker, U.S. Marshal Thomas Brown. David talked about pinning Thomas down to speak by running into him having breakfast at Matthews Cafeteria where, as a former member, he said he would be happy to return to Decatur Rotary. David also spoke about Thomas’ many accomplishments including his initiative when he was sheriff to implement a new concept of community-oriented law enforcement.
Marshal Brown spoke about what it took to become a U.S. marshal for the northern district of Georgia which is a presidential appointment. But before he got into detail, he talked about his memories of being a Decatur Rotarian and all the wonderful speakers he was able to listen to.
Marshal Brown retired in 2012 from being sheriff. When Mr. Biden became president, he thought about becoming a U.S. marshal. He spoke with senators Warnock and Ossoff who gave him the nod and put his name forward. That began an odyssey where he had to account for his entire life since childhood. There were countless interviews, personal questions and asked if there was anything in his life and experiences that could embarrass the President. After one year and one month, President Biden signed the decree to name Thomas a U.S. marshal.
What Does the Marshal Service Do?
Mr. Brown gave us many interesting facts.
- The U.S. Marshal Service is America’s first and oldest law enforcement agency and dates to George Washington
- Frederick Douglas was a U.S. Marshal. But the duties changed from upholding the rule of law, chasing counterfeiters, moonshiners and chasing slaves to upholding the rights of free men.
Today, the mission of the U.S. Marshal Service is to enforce federal laws and provide support to virtually all elements of the federal justice system by providing for the security of federal court facilities and the safety of judges and other court personnel.
Additionally:
- Apprehending criminals.
- Exercising custody of federal prisoners and providing for their security and transportation to correctional facilities.
- Executing federal court orders; seizing assets gained by illegal means and providing for the custody, management, and disposal of forfeited assets.
- Assuring the safety of endangered government witnesses and their families; and collecting and disbursing funds.
“This is, in my mind, the perfect capstone of a 41-year career in public safety. It’s something that I don’t take lightly. I’m honored that the President of the United States picked me,” he said.
More about USM Brown
USM Brown introduced the concept of community-oriented policing services in the police department in 1992, achieved the department’s national accreditation with the Commission of Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies, and established fire safety programs taught in the school system through the Public Safety Community Relations Unit. The program resulted in large drops in fire-related deaths in residential homes. He also spearheaded many capital improvements, such as renovation of the Public Safety Building, at no expense to taxpayers.
United States Marshal Brown attended DeKalb Community College and Brenau College. He is a graduate of the Fulton County Regional Law Enforcement Academy. USM Brown is also a graduate of the State of Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training and certified as a Peace Officer. He is also a member of the National Sheriffs Association, National Organization of Law Enforcement Executives, and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated.
USM Brown with David Ewing and Lawrence Sharp
USM Brown with guest, Nedra White Shaw
Club members sharing a great lunch: Rick Garnitz, Lawrence Sharp and Jason Conn
After a hiatus due to the pandemic, we're excited and honored to welcome back the student and teacher winners participating in the PAGE Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program for DeKalb County. The winners will receive their awards and be recognized at our lunch meeting. The PAGE STAR program honors Georgia’s highest achieving high school seniors and the teachers who have been most instrumental in their academic development. Since its creation in 1958 by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the STAR program has honored nearly 29,000 students, who have in turn chosen their STAR Teachers to share in this recognition.
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