Brownlow retires as County Sheriff
By Nathan Straus News Reporter

Ronny Brownlow

Henderson County Sheriff Ronny Brownlow has announced his retirement from the sheriff's office. The move, effective at the end of 2008, signals the end of his 44 and a half years in law enforcement.

"It's just that time," Brownlow said, "44 and a half years is reason enough."

The primaries for Brownlow's job are in March, and Brownlow said chief deputy Tony Allison has his vote for sheriff.

Brownlow said his father served as the Henderson County sheriff for 26 years, and holds the county record for holding the office.

"I've sort of been walking in his shadow the whole time," Brownlow said.

Brownlow added he is a native of Henderson County. He has lived in Chandler since 1996 and is a member of West Lake Baptist Church. "I love it. I plan on staying in Chandler," Brownlow said in response to being asked if he enjoyed life in Chandler.

He was always proud to serve Brownsboro and Chandler, Brownlow also said.

Ron Shields, Brownsboro police chief, said he respects Brownlow as a fair and just man.

"He's spent enough time in law enforcement that he's due for a rest," Shields said.

Whenever Brownsboro needed additional officer help, or more work help, Brownlow was able to send additional men to assist, Shields also said.

"He has provided trustees from his jail," Shields said, "to do the remodeling and maintenance. The work here is provided by trustees he's loaned me, and it's saved taxpayers several thousand dollars. "

The inmates come from Brownlow's 508-bed jail. His department staff numbers 144 employees, and with such a large department, Brownlow said a great deal of management is necessary.

"The sheriff's department is the biggest county budget," Brownlow said. "We're a big department."

The Henderson County sheriff's department isn't the only place Brownlow has tasted the authority accompanying law enforcement. From living out his dream of being promoted to a Texas Ranger in 1974, Brownlow has been to Austin, Palestine and McAllen before ending back in Athens in '97.

"If I had known I would have spent the last 12 years of my career in administration, I would have better prepared myself along the way," Brownlow said of his post.

Being a field investigator is very different from being an administrator, and Brownlow said he studied hard to become a field investigator, though he also said he enjoys the job anyway.

With retirement to look forward to, Brownlow anticipates being able to travel with his wife of 11 years, Theresa. Brownlow said he would enjoy a visit to England, though the thought of traveling abroad gives him pause.