Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania
End of Watch Tuesday, October 22, 1918
Add to My HeroesJoseph Roland Brown
Private Joseph Brown died as a result of contracting influenza while performing his assigned duties during the Influenza Pandemic.
Due to the devastation of the Spanish Influenza Pandemic of 1918, members of the Pennsylvania State Police had been ordered to perform duties such as assisting nurses and doctors in taking care of influenza victims, serving as pallbearers of influenza victims, assisting health officers, transporting victims to and from hospitals, and to police the Borough of Exeter after the two members of their police force succumbed to influenza.
Private Joseph Brown was a United States Army veteran and served with the Pennsylvania State Police for 16 months. Private Brown was assigned to Troop B, Wyoming, present-day Troop P, Wyoming. He was survived by his parents and several siblings.
Effects of Spanish Flu on Law Enforcement
From 1918 to early 1919, the Spanish Flu pandemic infected an estimated 500 million people worldwide—about one-third of the planet’s population—and killed approximately 675,000 Americans. Many officers contracted this virus due to the requirements of their job.
The names of every officer who died in the line of duty from the Spanish Flu will likely never be known, but ODMP researchers continue to uncover new cases as part of our mission to never forget the fallen.
Bio
- Age 29
- Tour 1 year, 6 months
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Duty related illness
- Incident Date Friday, October 11, 1918
Most Recent Reflection
View all 7 ReflectionsPvt. Brown,
On today, the 106th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army.
BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)
October 22, 2024
Recent LODD Deaths
Police Officer Jacob Candanoza
Terrell Police Department, TX
EOW: December 8, 2024
Detective Allan Reddins
Oak Park Police Department, IL
EOW: November 29, 2024
Police Officer Jesse Branch
Red Lake Nation Police Department, TR
EOW: November 27, 2024
Assistant Special Agent in Charge Joseph Love
United States Department of Homeland Security - Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, US
EOW: October 19, 2024
Police Officer Cooper Dawson
Greenville Police Department, TX
EOW: November 26, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Ignacio "Dan" Diaz
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: November 25, 2024
Deputy Constable Katherine Hutson
Harris County Constable's Office - Precinct 5, TX
EOW: November 22, 2024
Major Michelle Lynn Quintero
Madison County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: September 27, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Ralph "Butch" Waller, Jr.
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: November 21, 2024