Don Brown

Burbank Police Department Lieutenant Don Brown
09/04/1936 - 06/08/2025

Donald “Don” Robert Brown, was born September 4, 1936 in Manhattan, New York. Don moved with his family to Burbank California in 1945. He graduated from Burbank High in 1955, Riverside College in 1962, and in the 1970’s he attended USC to receive his teaching credential in Administration of Justice, while working full time with 4 children.

Don started working for the Public Service Department with the City of Burbank in 1956 and was then hired by the Burbank Police Department in 1960. Don worked his way up the ranks from Patrolman, Detective, Motors, Sergeant, and finished his career with the rank of Lieutenant.Don retired from the Burbank Police Department in 2001, totaling 45 years of service for the City of Burbank.

Don worked numerous details, including Narcotics, Fraud “Bunko Unit”, Gangs and Robbery Homicide. Don’s favorite assignment by far was his years working in the Traffic Bureau and being part of the Motor Squad.

After retiring Don quickly began his next career working for the Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena Airport as a Commissioner in 2001. He retired in 2024 after dedicating 23 years of additional service to “Burbank” the town he loved.

One of Don’s proudest accomplishments was being involved with THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB of Burbank.

Don passed away peacefully on June 8, 2025, surrounded by his loving family and his beloved dog Daisy.

Don is survived by his children, Julie, Mike, Terrilyn (son in law James Walker) and Cameron. His grandchildren, Andrew, Myshella (grandson son in law Edgar Vela), Bryce, Cooper, and Chasen. His Great Grandchildren Ezekiel, Kaiden & Everhett.

The Funeral for Don or as he called it my “Going Away Service” will be held as follows:
Closed Casket Viewing
Sunday June 29, 2025, 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM (Main Building)
Funeral Services
Monday, June 30 at 3:00 PM-Church of the Hills Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills.
6300 Forest Lawn Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90068

In lieu of flowers the family invites you to donate to THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF BURBANK AND GREATER EAST VALLEY. In the comments indicate your gift is in the honor of Don Brown.

During Don’s years with the City of Burbank, he served with many organizations:

•President-BPOA (1983-1986)

•President -California Organization of Police and Sheriffs (1984-2000)

•Member-Advisory Committee, California Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (1984-2000)

•Member-Burbank Planning Board (1985-1992, 1996-1999)

•Member-Burbank Rideshare Coordinators (1990-1999)

•Member-Burbank Chamber of Commerce (1989-1999)

•Member-Burbank Noon Kiwanis Club (1984-2001)

•Member-Los Angeles County Commission on Metro Rail Security (1995-1998)

Don also received numerous awards and commendations during his 41 year Law Enforcement Career. To name just a few:

•Citation for Bravery from the National Police Association of America-1969

•Honorary Lieutenant Colonel Aide De Camp of the Alabama State Militia-1972

•IUPA ”Police Officer of the Year”-1986

•City of Burbank Commendation “Police Officer of the Year”-1986

•California Organization of Police and Sheriffs “Man of the Year” award-1996

•National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial “Special Recognition” award-1998