NEW CITY RESIDENT RECEIVES 2015 BUFFALO SOLDIER AWARD

County honors Joseph B. Brown to launch Black History Month

PRESS RELEASE

County Executive Ed Day today presented the 2015 Buffalo Soldier Award to New City resident, Village of Spring Valley Police Officer and former United States Marine Corps Sergeant Joseph B. Brown.

“It is a privilege to honor Officer Brown, who went from serving our nation to serving the people of Rockland County,” said County Executive Day. “The freedoms we enjoy would not be possible without the bravery of men and women who serve our country, like Officer Brown. We thank him for his courage and sacrifice and for his continued public service to our communities.”

Officer Brown, 45, earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Pace University and an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Rockland Community College.

From 1988 to 1996, Officer Brown served as sergeant in the United States Marine Corps during Operations Desert Shield/Storm where he communicated with the United States Embassy and was in active combat.  He is the recipient of numerous awards including the combat action ribbon, national defense service medal and army aviation badge.

A Spring Valley Police Officer for over 20 years, Officer Brown participates on the Scholarship Committee Board and the Youth and Police Initiative program, in conjunction with the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office.  He is also a member of the American Legion Anthony Moscarella Post 199 and the Marine Corps League Rockland County.

The Buffalo Soldier Award is presented annually to an outstanding African-American veteran who resides in Rockland County.  “Buffalo Soldier” is the nickname first given to members of African-American cavalry regiments (largely, the Tenth Cavalry Regiment) of the U.S. Army who served in the western United States from 1867 to 1896, noted for their courage and discipline.  The Tenth Cavalry also served in World War I, World War II and in Vietnam.

A panel of past Buffalo Soldier honorees helped select Officer Brown for this year’s award.

Officer Brown has one daughter, Karema.