On Thursday, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Investigator Rodney Brown was honored with the Chief Ralph Cothran Civil Service Officer of the Year Award during the 2025 NAACP Ruby Hurley Image Awards Ceremony.

Traffic Investigator Brown, who began his career with the HCSO in 2017, was recognized for his outstanding dedication and commitment to the Sheriff’s Office and to the citizens of Hamilton County.

Currently serving in the HCSO Traffic Unit, Investigator Brown has previously served as a Patrol Deputy and School Resource Deputy at several schools, including Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts, Ooltewah High School, and East Hamilton Middle School. He also served as a D.A.R.E. Instructor, mentoring and teaching more than 190 students through the HCSO’s D.A.R.E. Program curriculum.

“I am very proud of Traffic Investigator Brown for his dedicated service to the citizens of Hamilton County,” said Sheriff Austin Garrett. “His professionalism, integrity, and commitment to duty have earned him the respect of his colleagues and the many citizens he has served throughout his career. This recognition from the NAACP is a well-deserved acknowledgment of his impact, dedication, and continued service to our county.”