08/31/2026
Marked by valor, remembered with reverence. We honor the memory of Park Ranger Thomas Kenneth “T.K.” Brown with the National Park Service. End of watch: August 31, 1973.
Park Ranger Brown was a steadfast protector. In addition to being a World War II veteran, Park Ranger Brown served 30 years with the Los Angeles County Fire Department and was also a National Officer with the Coast Guard Auxiliary before dedicating four years to the National Park Service.
On August 31, 1973, Park Ranger Brown was training to be a part of the search and rescue team. He and other members of the team were diving in the Ringbolt Rapids — the coldest point on the Colorado River south of the Hoover Dam — when he suffered a fatal heart attack. Park Ranger Brown was survived by his wife, two daughters and two grandsons.
Park Ranger Brown was 56 years old. He was a true hero and lives on in the community he protected and the lives he saved. Today and every day we hold his memory close and carry his light forward.
