Heartbreaking news out of Tulsa.
The Tulsa community is mourning the loss of longtime police officer and beloved The First 48 star, Detective John Brown, who passed away on August 3 in hospice care after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. He was 59. The Tulsa Police Department shared the news on social media.
In Memoriam: Detective John Brown (1965–2025)
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Detective John Brown, who devoted an extraordinary 35 years to the Tulsa Police Department and became a symbol of honor, service, and compassion in law enforcement.
John Brown’s Background
Born in Oakland, California, in 1965 and raised in Beggs, Oklahoma, John was inspired by his brother to enter public service—a calling he answered with unwavering dedication. Before joining the force, he played linebacker for the Tulsa Golden Hurricane football team, bringing the same drive and discipline to his police work.
Detective Brown joined the Tulsa Police Department on September 11, 1989, serving in multiple divisions, including Burglary, Robbery, Patrol, and Special Investigations. In 1994, while working undercover in VICE, he was awarded the Medal of Valor for his exceptional bravery and commitment to justice.
In 2012, John transferred to the Homicide Unit, where he would make a lasting impact—not only in Tulsa but across the nation. His work on the A&E series The First 48 earned him widespread respect and admiration. Known for his sharp investigative instincts and quiet compassion, Detective Brown treated everyone with dignity—regardless of their circumstances. He often shared that the most difficult, yet most rewarding, part of his job was “getting inside a killer’s mind” to bring justice to victims and their families.
A Life Beyond the Badge
Outside of his career, John Brown was a devoted family man—a loving husband to his wife Kathy, a proud father to three children, and a doting grandfather to five. He was deeply admired by his colleagues and shared an especially close bond with his longtime partner, Sgt. Dave Walker, with whom he worked countless cases. Their partnership was a model of dedication, trust, and friendship.
A Lasting Legacy
Detective Brown’s presence extended far beyond his caseload. He touched lives with his kindness, earned respect through his humility, and left a legacy that will inspire generations of officers, families, and viewers who came to know him through the screen.
As The First 48 shared in their tribute:
“Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and colleagues of Detective John Brown, who passed away on Sunday. Det. Brown served the Tulsa Police Department for 35 years and appeared as a homicide detective in The First 48. He often said that the most demanding, yet meaningful, aspect of working a homicide investigation was ‘getting inside a killer’s mind’ to help bring justice for victims.”
Our deepest sympathies are with Kathy, their children, grandchildren, and the extended Tulsa Police Department family during this time of great loss.
Thank you for your service, Detective John Brown.
You were a hero in every sense of the word.
