Heather Bell
BLACKSBURG – William “Bill” Henry Brown, Sr., retired Blacksburg Police Chief and former Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors, passed away Jan. 24, 2025.
Brown served as chief of the Blacksburg Police Department from 1994 until his retirement in 2006, after rising through the ranks of the department and attending the FBI National Academy in Quantico. He was the first African American police officer in the New River Valley when he joined the Blacksburg department in 1970. After his retirement, he was elected to the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors in 2008, serving as chair in 2014-15 until he stepped down from the position.
The Blacksburg Police Department released a statement regarding Brown’s death.
“It is with a heavy heart that the Blacksburg Police Department acknowledges the passing of retired Chief of Police William “Bill” H. Brown,” the statement reads. “Brown led the department with integrity, honesty and respect. Chief Brown’s service to the community, especially the Blacksburg police department, will be remembered for generations to come.”
The Christiansburg Police Department also released a statement about Brown’s passing, and his legacy.
“As we remember the life and legacy of retired Blacksburg Police Chief Brown, one word returns to our minds: Character,” the statement reads.
“Chief Brown selflessly served our community for more than 35 years. His accolades are extensive, as are the stories of his fairness, kindness, and sense of community. As the first black police officer in the New River Valley, we cannot go without recognizing the path forward that Chief Brown helped create for our region, and for his family. His legacy carries on, specifically in the Christiansburg Police Department as we are proud to have Chief Brown’s son Tim serve as our CID Lieutenant. With grateful hearts we thank Chief Brown for his dedication to a better community. May we carry you with us as an example of all the right ways to serve.”
Brown graduated from the historical Christiansburg Institute, a school for African American students from 1866 until 1966. He then served in the Vietnam War. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Human Resources Management from Bluefield College.
“On Oct. 19, 1966, he reported to the draft board like many other young men and women called to serve his country during Vietnam in the 9th Infantry Division and rosed to the rank of sergeant,” according to his obituary. “Upon returning from Vietnam, Bill met the love of his life and married Rebecca James of Radford, to whom he was married to for 55 years.”
Brown was highly respected in the New River Valley and gave his time to many community efforts.
“Chief Brown’s impact on making the Blacksburg community a better place will affect generations to come,” the obituary reads. “He has been recognized by many organizations and is the recipient of numerous community awards, including the 1984 Outstanding Young Law Enforcement award presented by American Legion Post 182; 1995 Neighborhood Federation Award for Leadership; and the 2000-2001 Citizen of the Year Award presented by the Christiansburg/Blacksburg Rotary Club. Bill served on the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police Executive Board for many years rising to the position of First Vice President. He served on numerous commissions and boards at the local, state, and federal levels. He was Past President of the Blue Ridge Assoc. of Chiefs of Police and past Chairman of the Governing Council of the Cardinal Criminal Justice Academy.”
See Brown’s obituary and service details inside today’s edition.
