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Incident
Chief Deputy Russell Brown suffered a fatal heart attack following a scuffle during a domestic disturbance inside a home in the 500 block of Hudson Street in Hawley Borough.
He had gone to the home to assist a Pennsylvania State Police trooper who was investigating the disturbance. While investigating the disturbance the homeowner asked to use the restroom and was granted permission by the officers. The homeowner proceeded to lock themselves inside the bathroom and refused to come out after several demands from the trooper. The trooper forced open the door and a scuffle ensued.
While attempting to assist in placing the homeowner under arrest Chief Deputy Brown suffered a heart attack. Medical personnel were sent to the home where they were able to revive Chief Deputy Brown. He was initially sent home and but later went to the hospital where he died the following day.
The subject was placed under arrest and sent to the Wayne County Jail.
Chief Deputy Brown was survived by his wife and two sons.
Survivors
Chief Deputy Brown was survived by his wife and two sons.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Chief Deputy Brown served with the Wayne County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Honesdale community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief Deputy Brown.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
Wayne County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 1 of them lost to cardiac events.
Russell is one of 118 officers lost to cardiac events in PA, 9.4% of the 1,262 remembered there.
Russell is one of 1,307 officers lost to cardiac events in the United States, 4.7% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Russell is one of 1,309 officers lost to cardiac events worldwide, 3.8% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1970, 4 officers in PA were lost to cardiac events, the 2nd heaviest of 72 years on record. The heaviest was 1957, with 5.
In 1970, 13 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 43rd heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 1970, 13 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 43rd heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
Russell was 62. Of the 118 lost to cardiac events in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 44 and 56; the middle age was 48.
Russell was 62. Of the 1,249 lost to cardiac events in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 55; the middle age was 48.
Russell was 62. Of the 1,251 lost to cardiac events worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 42.5 and 55; the middle age was 48.
When
June holds 11% of these deaths in PA; January holds the most, 11%. Sundays: 16.1%.
June holds 7.2% of these deaths in the United States; January holds the most, 9.6%. Sundays: 13.9%.
June holds 7.3% of these deaths worldwide; January holds the most, 9.5%. Sundays: 13.9%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Wayne County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 9.4% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.7% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.8% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the 4th most common cause.
His people
Wayne County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, Russell among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 59-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Wayne County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.