April 1, 2004
Press Release

"Never Forget": The 9-11 Badge Certificate of Authentication

Bedford County Sheriff Michael J. Brown is pleased to announce another segment in his continuing memorial to the patriotism and sacrifice made by the more than 400 public safety workers killed on September 11, 2001. The theme “never forget” is a continuation of sheriff browns observance of our nation’s loss. The idea came of age during a ceremony at the D-Day memorial in Bedford County February 11 2002 (see story). During the somber event, which included public safety officials from across the United States, tribute was paid to all those who lost their lives on that tragic day.

Sheriff Brown further memorialized the heroes of 9-11 at a ceremony held on September 11, 2003. During the ceremony the sheriff unveiled a new badge authorized for wear by the deputies of the Bedford county sheriff’s office (see story). The badge, which is based on the traditional Virginia sheriffs five–point star, was produced exclusively for the Bedford Sheriff’s Office. The badge features United States flags flanking the star and in its center is the lesser seal of the commonwealth topped by an eagle. Across the center of the badge is a black mourning band and along the bottom is a panel with the inscription “never forget” surrounding the date, 9-11 in a black background. The badges are finished in five colors using hard-fired enamel. The theme for the badge will serve as a constant reminder and continuing memorial to those that gave their lives on September 11, 2001. The badge is authorized for wear by the deputies for the month of September only and will be worn every September as long as sheriff brow serves as sheriff. Less than 200 BCSO badges were produces. 20% of the proceeds from the sale of this miniature badge will be donated to the national law enforcement officer’s memorial fund.

Sheriff Brown (biography) is a retired senior special agent, ATF and has an extensive background in the law enforcement and intelligence field. His career, which began in 1965, includes service with the US Army Military Police Corps, the Metropolitan Police (DC), the US Department of Justice (ICITAP) in Central and South America, and the Central Intelligence Agency. He has been sheriff of Bedford County since 1996. He has testified before congress on internet crime, is currently a member of attorney general technology initiative forum, executive office of the white house. He currently serves on Governor John Warner’s Virginia corps advisory committee for law enforcement. The BCSO, under Sheriff Browns leadership, holds the distinction of being the only local law enforcement agency in the United States to have its own line item in the United States federal budget. The BCSO is currently the managing agency for the Department of Justice Task Force, code named Operation Blue Ridge thunder, for Virginia and West Virginia.

Contact: Robin Sundquist – Admin Officer – 540.586.4800