LEADERS Community Spirit Award:
Ezell Brown
Sheriff’s dedication to community shines bright amid pandemic By TAYLOR BECK tbeck@covnews.com
Bearing the title of sheriff comes with a great authority and overwhelming responsibility — something Ezell Brown has taken pride in for more than a decade. Since he was first elected Newton County’s top constitutional officer and leading chief of law enforcement nearly 13 years ago, Brown has worked fiercely to ensure the safety and security of the community, but he’s done so through more than upholding the law. He has conducted and contributed to numerous outreach programs to keep food on the table and a roof over the head of families in need. But giving back isn’t something Brown does as a political tactic THE COVINGTON NEWS
“I am the sheriff for all. Regardless of who they are. Regardless of their feelings toward me ... I’m still their sheriff.” or simply to garner attention. It’s something he feels is part of the job description. “I look at the position as not a political position,” Brown said. “I look at it as being a steward of the community.” This mindset is what led Brown to being recipient of The
Covington News’ 2021 Community Spirit Award, an annual honor given by the newspaper to a person who exemplifies the best of Newton County over a lifetime of service; one who is associated with volunteer work, favors and gestures of good will to local residents and businesses, always putting the community first — a person who is simply upstanding and a primary example of what every citizen should strive to be. Brown said his job as sheriff consists of much more than “playing cops and robbers.” Many days he is required to be a counselor or minister. Other days he is asked to help individuals pay a month’s rent, fill someone’s gas tank or meet a different need. And his actions are never limited to a specific group. VISIONS 53
