JUNCTION CITY, OR -- A Deschutes County Sheriff's Lieutenant was killed in an off-duty motorcycle crash in Junction City, over the weekend. According to DCSO, Lt. Ernie Brown was taken to the hospital after the crash, but passed away from his injuries.
Lt. Brown began his career with the Sheriff’s Office 24 years ago as a Corrections technician. He became a Corrections deputy in 2001. During his time with the Sheriff’s Office, the Sheriff says Lt. Brown proved himself to be a leader, earning 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 is a veteran of the US Marine Corps and is survived by his wife and three adult children. His family requests privacy during this time.
"Ernie was a humble and kind man, a selfless public servant, and dedicated husband, father, and grandfather," Sheriff Shane Nelson said in a statement, "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."
The family issued this statement, "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."
Lt. Brown's remains will come home from Springfield on Wednesday. Members of the public are invited 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 stage at Black Butte Ranch at 10:30 AM and will join the procession from that location.
09/07/22 10:30 A.M. UPDATE:
- 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
09/12/22 UPDATE: A public memorial will be held this week for Lt. Ernie Brown. The service is planned for Wednesday, Sept. 14 at 2 p.m. in the Little Sister building at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds. The public is invited to pay their respects.
