Central Loses a Legend: Doug Browning

    Central’s first police chief, Doug Browning, passed away Tuesday, December first, after a battle with leukemia.  Born on August 18, 1942, Chief Browning grew up on the family property on Greenwell Springs Road and was a 1960 graduate of Central High School.  He married Betty “Cooky” Chemin and has one son, Barry.  He is also survived by stepson Jerry G. Branch, stepdaughter Cynthia B. Hollis (Paul), and stepgrandchild Erin Rae Hollis, along with siblings Roxie Lippert (Bob), Maurice (Sharon), Virginia Womack (Warren), Sylvia Carroll (Doug), Nancy Adams (Tommy), Kenneth (Shirley), Ethel Jenkins, and Brenda Jenkins (Charlie).  
    Chief Browning went to work for the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, retiring as a captain after 34 years of service.   During that time, he became a charter member of both the Baton Rouge Fire Department Haz-Mat Law Enforcement Team and of the 911 Emergency Response Team.  He also taught several years at the LSU Law Enforcement Basic Academy and helped EBRSO develop Policies and Procedures in Communications.  He never let any physical impairment slow him down, tackling even the grueling basic training program for law enforcement officers fearlessly.  He was a mentor and example to many.
    Appointed by Governor Kathleen Blanco when Central first became a city, Chief Browning faced the challenge of creating a police department out of nothing.  Having served in both the Detective and Communications Divisions of the EBRSO, he had the qualifications to know exactly what was needed.  He tirelessly wrote grants to secure Central the equipment it needed.  He networked with other law enforcement agencies to acquire cruisers and gear.  Knowing the city did not have the budget to hire police officers, he assembled a group of volunteers to create a police force.  He did all of this at little or no cost to the City. 
While in office, Chief Browning was a member of the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and the Drug Enforcement and Violent Crime Board.  He worked to get his volunteer force Radar Certified and worked with the District Attorney to create a system to prosecute criminals the CPD charged.  As he once said, “We have the opportunity to do something right working for our people…. They have to know we’re working for their best interests.  If we do that, we may get knots and bruises, but we will still be serving the people.”
Former Councilman Aaron Moak shared, “I’ve known Doug since I was a child.  It was an honor to serve with him – in all the years before we became a city and in all the years after.  I extend all best wishes to the Browning Family from the Moak Family.”  Former Councilwoman Joan Lansing added, “Doug was a true Centralite!  It was a pleasure to know and work with him.  He gave of his best to the safety of Central citizens.  His good humor will surely be missed by family and friends.”  Former Councilman Lucky Ross said, “Doug Browning was an individual whose life and values epitomized what “Central” truly is.  Not only did he love his community and its citizens, but he utilized his talents and ‘common sense approach to life’ for the betterment of our city and its people.  He certainly made an impact on those who knew him and will be missed by many.”
In an official release, Police Chief James Salsbury, who served under Chief Browning for 3 years, stated, “The Central Police Department and staff sadly extends our condolences to the family of Doug Browning for their loss. His kind and gentle demeanor afforded him many friends throughout his life.  The legacy Doug left on the community as well as the Central Police Department will live on for many years.”
Former Mayor Mac Watts shared, “Doug was a real good guy.  We went through school together, and were life-long friends.  I’d like to offer sincere condolences to his family.”
Having grown up and gone to school with Chief Browning, Capt. Bobby Dale Callender offered this heartfelt tribute: “I worked with Doug back in the 70’s when I first started out. He always called me by his trademark, ‘Cuz’.  He was a great mentor to me.  He treated everyone the same, he always had a good word for you.  He was the kind of friend every man wishes for, a real Prince of a guy, someone you would look up to.  If you want to see Doug Browning again, you’ll have to go to Heaven, ‘cause that’s where he’s at.”
Visitation for Chief Browning will be held at Greenoaks Funeral Home on Friday from 4:00-9:00, visitation continues Saturday from 9:00 until the funeral at 2:00.