MAPD Officer Brown Named Law Enforcement Officer of the Year

Published on April 21, 2025

MAPD Chief Renee Purden and MAPD Officer Sherif Brown with his award

Officer Sherif Brown of the Melbourne International Airport Police Department (MAPD) has been honored as the 2024 Brevard County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by the Brevard County Association Chiefs of Police, marking the first time a MAPD officer has received this prestigious honor. The award was presented at the Association’s annual Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Banquet on April 16, 2025.

The nomination, submitted by MAPD Chief Renee Purden, cited Officer Brown’s extraordinary service throughout 2024, particularly highlighting his courageous response to a dangerous security threat on June 28, 2024. During that incident, Officer Brown confronted a suspect attempting to breach airport security who then produced a firearm. Officer Brown acted swiftly and decisively to neutralize the threat, protecting the lives of fellow officers, airport staff, and civilians

“Officer Brown has been with our department only a short time,” wrote Chief Purden in her nomination, “but his professionalism, integrity, and commitment to public safety far exceed his years of service. He is a role model for his peers and a valued member of our team.”

Reflecting on the honor, Officer Brown shared, “Receiving the awards, love and support is a humbling reminder of the work myself and peers have done but it's also fuel for the journey ahead. These are not just recognitions—it’s a spark for the future. My mission continues: to grow, to serve, and to make an even greater impact in the years to come. I’m inspired to go beyond boundaries and strive to make a lasting difference.” He added a powerful reminder from Edmund Burke: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

Greg Donovan, A.A.E., Executive Director of the Melbourne Orlando International Airport, praised Officer Brown’s dedication, “Officer Brown exemplifies the courage, professionalism, and integrity that our airport community relies on. His bravery and commitment to public safety reflect the highest standards of law enforcement. We are proud to have him protecting our passengers, employees, and facilities every day.”

Officer Brown was also named the MAPD Officer of the Year for 2024 by unanimous vote of the department’s supervisory staff.

For more information about the Melbourne International Airport Police Department or Melbourne Orlando International Airport, please visit www.MLBair.com.