BELLVILLE — Mansfield State Trooper Colt W. Browne passionately creates solutions for community members struggling with drug addiction.
This passion and dedication to his profession helped him win Mansfield Trooper of the Year and the District Humanitarian Award this year.
The Mansfield Patrol Post, comprised of 17 troopers, four sergeants and one lieutenant, nominated and selected Browne for Trooper of the Year.
“It is very humbling,” said Browe, a 29-year-old Bellville resident. “It makes me appreciate the people that I work with.”
Many aspects of patrolling appeal to Browne. He appreciates interacting with people and the variety of responsibilities it opens for him.
“Anytime I get the opportunity to help people through my job, I appreciate that,” Browne said.
Browne said a combination of childhood experiences and family members who were struggling with addiction drew him to the profession. He saw this career path as a way to assist community members with addictions get the help they need to recover.
After three years on the post in 2015, Browne sought training to help Mansfield residents and families affected by drug abuse.
“When I came into contact with people under the influence, I felt under-equipped,” Browne said. “I didn’t have the tools to help them.”
He wanted to do more to help, and set out to develop services and resources. Browne’s lieutenant at the time released him to develop research and a pamphlet of all counseling agencies, detox facilities and the emergency help line available to area residents.
The brochure also includes financial aid information for rehabilitation facilities as well as Medicare and Medicaid services in which residents may be eligible. Officers use the brochure at traffic stops, and it is available at the Mansfield Patrol Post.
Next, Browne participated in training to become a drug recognition expert.
“When I arrest someone under drug impairment, I evaluate that person and determine what type of drug they are under the influence of,” Browne said.
Browne went beyond his job scope to create a partnership with Three C Counseling Executive Director Tim Batdorf, MS, LICDC, ICADC, SAP.
“We brainstormed some ideas,” Browne said. “He really wanted to help provide his resources, and we decided to implement a callout system.”
The agency located in the Walnut Building on 24 W. Third St., provides a 24 hours per day, seven days per week counseling service. Counselors will travel to the traffic scene or police office to talk with drivers arrested and/or passengers who will accept the help.
“For about an hour they will come, give them ideas, and try to get them in for counseling,” Browne said. “It might take multiple times for people to get that help they need. They really have to want to accept recovery.”
Browne said he and other officers have experienced good results with the system. He hopes more agencies volunteer to help and that additional officers connect drug users with this counseling service.
“It’s just something that we are continually critiquing and supporting,” he said.
Browne presented the idea of partnering with a local counseling agency to his colonel, and he hopes the system can be implemented throughout the state and country.
Browne knows the program is limited and urges the Mansfield community to get involved in helping fight against drug abuse.
“The more and more people that are willing to step up and take the initiative to help people around them, it just makes a better community,” he said.
Current Mansfield Lieutenant Amy Ivy said that Browne’s District Humanitarian Award nomination came after the success of the program with Three C Counseling.
“Our main focus is always to do what we can for traffic safety and the community,” she said. “When we have a chance to collaborate with the other agencies in the county to ensure it’s a safe community, we want to do that.”
Browne said the support and friendship of his fellow troopers means a lot on a daily basis.
“We are a good group,” Browne said. “Most of us have kids and see each other at sporting events.”
Most meaningful to Browne was the support of the post when his 8-month-old daughter underwent surgery. He even felt supported by the community during this time.
Browne also has an 11-year-old daughter, 4-year-old son and 2-year-old daughter. He enjoys coaching sports for his older children, volunteering to help with team stats and even preparing the water coolers.
Because of the love for his own children, he is also passionate about helping children affected by an incident such as a parent’s arrest or a car crash.
Browne credits his wife, Emily, with his success.
“She keeps me organized and grounded,” he said. “If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
