Sierra County Honors Lee Brown After Retirement

DOWNIEVILLE — Lee Brown stood before a packed room Tuesday as Sierra County supervisors presented a resolution of appreciation marking the end of more than 25 years of county service. Supervisor Lee Adams read the resolution recognizing Brown’s work for Public Works and Transportation, county facilities, emergency management, and the Sierra County community.

Brown’s county career began July 31, 2000, and he retired effective April 30. The resolution recognized Brown’s roots in Downieville, noting that he was a student-athlete at Downieville High School and grew up with a father who served as the school's plant manager, giving Brown an early view of facility maintenance and community response.

Brown began with the Sierra County Department of Public Works in custodial services before moving into broader-responsibility positions. The resolution credits his work ethic and reliability, as he became Plant Manager, Office of Emergency Services (OES) Coordinator, and was assigned many other duties essential to county operations.

As plant manager, Brown was responsible for the county facilities residents and employees rely on, including buildings added or expanded during his career. The resolution specifically cited the Visitor Center and the Community Hall, stating that Brown accepted each additional responsibility with professionalism as the county government changed.

Brown’s work extended beyond maintenance. As OES Coordinator, the board said he became an indispensable leader during floods, wildfires, drought conditions, Public Safety Power Shutoff events, declared disasters, and other emergency responses affecting Sierra County.

The board also recognized Brown’s longstanding service with the Downieville Fire Department. The resolution said he maintained a clear separation between volunteer firefighting responsibilities and official OES duties, allowing both roles to be carried out with integrity and impartiality.

After the presentation, Brown thanked the board, county employees, department heads, and former managers he had worked with over the years. “It’s been a pleasure working here for the county, and I’ve had some great managers and department heads I work with and county employees, so it’s been very nice,” Brown said. “I couldn’t ask for a better job here at the county.”

Brown said he had mixed feelings about retiring, but felt the timing was right. “I was kind of torn about leaving, but you know, also wanted to get on with my life and so I think it was time,” he said. Adams added that Brown’s public service had not ended, noting that Brown was driving the senior services vehicle.

Brown used part of his remarks to offer two suggestions to supervisors. He said Sierra County might consider recognizing employees at service milestones, as he had seen Nevada County do, and also spoke favorably about the county’s former every-two-weeks pay schedule.

Brown also used the moment to encourage support for the Downieville Fire Department. He told the room residents do not have to be firefighters or medics to help, pointing to fundraisers, traffic control, inventory, training records, and other support roles. “Every little bit helps,” Brown said.

Former Public Works Director Bryan Davey also spoke during the recognition, saying Brown’s commitment to the community was clear from their years working together. Davey said Brown helped him when he became a fire chief and later continued to work well with him in county service.

Brown closed by thanking current and former county leaders for listening when he brought problems forward and for helping him find solutions. He said he was glad he had been able to finish his career with Sierra County.