Brown joins Lake City Police Department

By Bradrick McClam
Lake City News & Post Reporter
Published: July 25, 2008

Simon Brown has returned to Lake City Police Department as a patrol officer and brings nearly 10 years of experience in law enforcement to the job.
“I have been patrolling different areas and businesses, making sure everything is going smoothly,” Simon said on July 16, his first day on the job.
“We are glad to have him back with us and he brings years of experience to the job,” said Lake City Assistant Police Chief Bobby Williams. Williams said Brown is hard-working and works well with citizens.
Brown, 36, graduated from Hemingway High School in 1990 and the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy in 2000. He is a native of Hemingway, and said he became a police officer to be able to protect and serve citizens.
What he likes most about being a police officer, Brown said, is responding to citizens when they are in need and knowing citizens depend on you. He was a city of Marion patrol officer until 2001 and then he moved to the Lake City Police Department and stayed for about 10 months. He also worked for the Marion County Sheriff’s Office for about five years, in various capacities, including as a patrol deputy and drug agent.
A candidate for Williamsburg County Sheriff in 2004 and 2008, Brown also served for four and a half years in the U.S. Marines.
He is a jet engine mechanic for the Air National Guard at McIntyre Air Base near Columbia, where Brown said he works one weekend monthly taking engines out of the jets and repairing them. Brown said the amount of time it takes to repair a jet engine depends on what is wrong with it.
“You have to pay close attention to details,” Brown said explaining the repair process. 
Hunting and fishing are his favorite pastimes, he said.
“I like sitting and listening to nature,” said Brown, who has also studied Martial Arts for 18 years. Brown said aspiring police officers should maintain a positive attitude and take the job seriously.
“You have to be dedicated to protect and serve the citizens,” Brown said.  “I like the citizens of Lake City,” Brown said explaining its a neutral area that attracts many visitors.
One day, Brown said, he hopes to work with the United States Marshall Service, traveling all the country apprehending fugitives. He also said he plans to attend Florence-Darlington Technical College to major in applied science.
Brown, the father of a 5-year-old son and a 3-year-old daughter, describes himself as honest, fair and friendly.