To protect and serve

Justin Brown brings theology, narcotics experience to Saratoga Police Department

Justin Brown had every intention of becoming a pastor. He even obtained both a bachelors and masters degree in theology. According to Brown, however, he's "too rough around the edges" to lead a flock.

Instead of leading, he's protecting.

Brown is the newest officer to join the Saratoga Police Department, replacing former officer Robert Bifano. Having moved here from Trinidad, Colorado, he isn't hard to spot. At well over six feet tall, the new officer is also broad shouldered and makes an imposing figure. Despite this, and his long hair, long beard and tattoos, he insists that he is far more approachable than he looks.

"I'm a very nice guy, I'm laid back," said Brown.

While Brown is approachable, despite appearances, the opposite could be said for his partner. Joining Brown on the force is Hobbs, a three-and-a-half year old Russian Shepherd from Vohne Liche Kennels.

The arrival of Brown and Hobbs is the result of discussions, recently in public, between Chief Ken Lehr and the Saratoga Town Council about a growing drug problem in Saratoga. This is an area where the newest officer has plenty of experience being a narcotics specialist.

"Every town, no matter how small the town is, has a drug problem. I've taken a few ride-alongs here and I've went (sic) into a few of the houses and I can tell you now you guys have a drug problem," Brown said. "Not to mention you have a major highway with (Wyoming Highway) 130 here runs out of Colorado. You have major drugs and money from cartels running through, it's the same problem we have in Colorado. They'll take back roads to avoid the highway patrol. Even if they're not stopping in Saratoga, you have them coming through."

He said another contributing factor could be the increase in wind energy projects in northeastern Carbon County. While not directly tied to each other, Brown said it was common to see an increase in drug use after either windmill farms or oil rigs arrived and began operating.

"Not everybody, not all of them. Maybe, here, every one of them could be perfect but in my experience and other officers' experience, it kind of goes hand in hand with a few people. It's like anything, you're going to have a few bad apples in every bunch," said Brown. "There is a drug issue here. It's hidden well and not everybody witnesses it. The people who aren't around it can't always see the issue there even though they're looking at it."

Brown's move to Saratoga comes as Colorado moves towards decriminalizing some drugs. Beginning in 2012 with the legalization of recreational marijuana, Governor Jared Polis signed legislation in 2019 "defelonzing" single-use drug possession for Schedule I and II substances. According to Brown, he and Carbon County Sheriff's Deputy Casey Lehr were familiar with each other and C. Lehr knew Brown had been looking for something new.

"We came and visited and loved the people," Brown said. "Whether it was the Country Store, Kum & Go, the Wolf, everybody was hospitable."

Along with the experience as a police officer, Brown has a vast amount of experience both domestically and internationally. Beginning in 1998, he joined the United States Army and served in the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. Modeled after the British Commandos, the 1st Ranger Battalion was formed shortly after the United States entered World War II and were the first Americans to see active combat in the European theater. Since then, it has been involved in the Korean War, the Vietnam Conflict and the War on Terror.

After five years with special operations, Brown went from military to paramilitary as he went to work for Blackwater (now Academi), the private military company founded by Erik Prince. 

"Under Blackwater, I worked for DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency), CIA (Central Intelligence Agency), FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigations) in about six or seven countries around the world," said Brown. "I experienced about 11 years there before I was injured pretty badly."

Following his time with Blackwater, Brown went on to train special operations medicine for SWAT teams and train special operations for Navy SEAL teams. It was during that time Brown obtained his degrees in theology. Though he never became a pastor, that education has become a part of his job as he maintains a certain amount of empathy. 

According to Brown, while he may arrest people who are using methamphetamine or other drugs, he understands they are a symptom of any drug problem and not the cause. The ultimate goal is to find those who are dealing the drugs and take them into custody.

While Brown hopes to make an impact on the community in helping decrease the drug problem he sees, he also hopes to be a part of the community. Joining Brown and Hobbs in Saratoga are Brown's wife and four daughters.

"We're happy to be here, my family is really excited to be here," said Brown. "We want to be part of the town as well."

 

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