A legendary figure in North Carolina law enforcement has died at the age of ninety-eight.
Jacksonville Police Department Lieutenant James “XY” Brown was widely recognized as the longest-serving active law enforcement officer in the United States. He dedicated sixty-eight years of service to the Jacksonville community before his retirement in December of last year.
The World War Two veteran began his career as a department volunteer in 1957. He spent decades protecting children as a crossing guard at Northwoods Elementary School, earning the nickname “Jacksonville’s granddad.” Earlier this year, he received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the state’s highest civilian honor.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
