'This is farewell, not a goodbye,' says retiring MDPS captain

After more than 25 years on the force, Morganton Department of Public Safety (MDPS) Capt. Josiah Brown stepped out of his emptied office for the final time on Wednesday.

While colleagues stopped by to wave and drop off small gifts, Brown grinned from ear to ear, reflecting warmly on the multi-decade career.

“I wanted to make a difference in the community,” Brown said. “I just wanted to help people.”

Aside from military background in his family, Brown didn’t inherit generations of law enforcement experience from the family tree. His father and brother were both cooks.

In turn, he originally worked as a chef for five years at J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center in Morganton before deciding to devote himself to public service with the MDPS.

When Brown first joined, he went through law enforcement training on scholarship from the department. He considered that support a commitment toward his professional career — one that he wanted to validate through dedicated work.

“I’ve worked with some of these people for a long time,” Brown said. “Although I’ll see them, it won’t be the same. I’ll still see friends and whatnot, but it’ll be the people — not just here, but in the community that I deal with all the time and at the department. It’ll be the people [that I miss].”

Brown’s deep sense of integrity and his healthy respect for the community influenced his policework, pushing him to focus on people’s humanity, even during difficult times.

“Most people are good people if you want me to be honest with you,” Brown said. “That’s something you try to keep sight on as a law enforcement officer. It’s easy to look at the bad people and think that a lot of people are that way, but they’re not. Most people are good, decent, hard-working people.”

A few of his colleagues had their own thoughts on Brown, praising his kindness and sincerity among many other traits.

MDPS Administrative Specialist Amy Swanson said, “Capt. Brown’s knowledge, initiative, and friendship will be deeply missed. He has encouraged and taught many in our department, and in that way, his influence will continue on.”

Echoing that sentiment, MDPS Capt. Tim Corriveau said, “If I had to say something about Josiah, I would say he is a trusted friend and compassionate leader. He has approached each situation with empathy, professionalism, and a deep commitment to justice and service. Beyond the badge, he is a husband, father, grandfather, coach, and friend. I wish him the best in his next journey.”

Brown’s next journey revolves around his family, which includes his “wonderful wife” and their blended family of nine children — his, hers, and theirs. Between three kids still at home and their basketball games, volleyball games, and Battle of the Books-style academics, Brown plans to dedicate his newfound time to enjoying the life of a family man.

As the retiring captain steps away from the responsibilities of working life, MDPS tapped the recently promoted Capt. Nick Edwards to fill his shoes. Edwards earned the title earlier this year and was sworn in as a captain in late September. He currently serves in the Criminal Investigations Division, where Brown spent nine years of his career as an officer and lieutenant.

“I’ve learned a great deal from Capt. Brown,” Edwards said. “His leadership and humility have taught me the importance of leading with fairness, respect, and dedication ... I’m grateful for the support I’ve received along the way and look forward to leading with integrity and continuing to serve our community.”

Upon his departure, Brown had three pieces of advice for future officers at the department: “Make good relationships with everyone. Never lose sight of the values that we uphold. Never forget why you started the job.”

Despite his advice, Brown thinks the city will be in good hands. In a farewell letter he wrote to the department, he thanks his fellow officers for their commitment and professionalism.

“Whether on the front lines of critical incidents or behind the scenes supporting operations, your work has made a difference in countless lives and I’m proud to have been a part of it,” Brown wrote. “The relationships forged through shared challenges, long hours, and moments of both hardship and triumph are ones I’ll carry with me always. I leave knowing Public Safety remains strong, capable, and ready for whatever comes next.”