Early Life & Education
Born on November 17, 1983 in Rochester, Minnesota, Josh Brown attended high school in Forest Lake, Minnesota, where he distinguished himself by becoming an Eagle Scout
He pursued higher education at the Minnesota School of Business, earning a degree in Criminal Justice
Military Service
In 2000, Josh enlisted in the Army National Guard, serving actively from 2005 to 2007 with deployments to Bosnia and Iraq. Across his eight-year military career, he was awarded 10 medals, including honors for commendable service
He achieved the rank of Sergeant and received decorations such as the Army Commendation Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the NATO Medal, and the Combat Action Badge
Career in Law Enforcement
After his military service, Josh dedicated over ten years to public service. He worked at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, then at the Wyoming, MN Police Department, before transferring to the Forest Lake Police Department
Joining Forest Lake PD on October 28, 2017, he served as both a patrol officer and later a detective, also participating in the Chisago and Washington County SWAT teams, and serving as an Operator Sniper on the Washington County Weapons
Throughout his law enforcement career, Josh was celebrated for his unwavering commitment to justice, professionalism, and compassionate policing
Personal Life & Passions
Josh was a proud member of the Rainy River First Nation (Ojibwe), a heritage he held with pride and respect
Family was central to his life. He married Jennifer in 2020 (they met in 2019) and was a devoted father to their children: Calian, Elora, Ethan (Miranda), Ryan (Bella), and a loving grandfather to Noah
Josh cherished simple joys: weight training—he even competed in his first bodybuilding competition—traveling, and honing his marksmanship skills at the shooting range
Passing & Community Tribute
Josh passed away unexpectedly on August 11, 2025, from a medical event, at the age of 41
His sudden loss deeply affected the Forest Lake community. A funeral procession performed by the Police Department honored him, with streets lined by grieving neighbors who paid tribute with flags and heartfelt gestures
His colleagues remembered him as someone “always smiling,” dependable, compassionate, and a friend to everyone—“one of those amazing ones that made this badge something to be proud to wear”
Formal visitation and funeral services were held at the Maranatha Church in Forest Lake on August 18–19, 2025, followed by a private interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery
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