10/05/2026
We are incredibly proud to share that this past weekend, Deputy Jon Brown was honored as the Michigan Pet Alliance Animal Control Officer of the Year!
Deputy Brown works tirelessly for animals in Manistee County and there is nobody more deserving of this award than he is. Please take a moment to read the nomination submitted by the Little Traverse Bay Humane Society on his behalf!
"I am honored to nominate Jon Brown of the Manistee County Sheriff's Office for Michigan Pet Alliance's Animal Control Officer of the Year Award.
Over the course of my career, I have worked alongside countless animal control officers, law enforcement professionals, and animal welfare organizations throughout Michigan. Jon Brown stands out among the very best. What makes Jon exceptional is not simply his dedication to animals, although that is evident in everything he does (especially when it involves Shepherds). What makes Jon exceptional is that he believes animal control can be done better, and he has the willingness to put in the work to make it happen.
One case in particular stands out. Jon advocated for a stray dog, later named Teddy, who arrived in extremely poor condition. Humane euthanasia would have been a completely reasonable and understandable outcome given the animal's condition. Instead, Jon saw an opportunity to give that dog a chance. Not only did he coordinate medical care, funding, and secure future placement, but he personally committed himself to the dog's recovery. Night after night, often after already working long shifts, Jon returned to provide critical refeeding care and maintain the dog's medical protocols. Sometimes, in the middle of the night. He did this not because anyone asked him to, but because he believed that animal deserved every opportunity to recover. In my experience, that level of commitment is difficult to teach and impossible to fake.
When Jon stepped into the Animal Control Officer role in Manistee County, he inherited a program with significant opportunities for growth. Rather than accepting the status quo, he immediately began looking for ways to better serve both animals and people. He sought training opportunities, built relationships with animal welfare organizations across the state, and actively pursued resources that would strengthen his department's ability to respond effectively to animal-related concerns. Jon isn’t the type to wait for someone else to invest in his success. He wrote grants and secured funding to bring specialized training to Manistee County for all law enforcement, including topics like animal handling, cruelty investigations, and Michigan animal law training. He recognized that improving outcomes for animals required investing in education and professional development, not only for himself, but for his peers and the community around him. His growth in a relatively short period of time has been remarkable. Today, Jon has become a trusted partner to animal control professionals, humane societies, shelters, and law enforcement agencies throughout Michigan.
He regularly seeks collaboration on complex investigations, reaches out for guidance when needed, and follows through on cases with diligence and integrity. When circumstances warrant enforcement action, Jon does not shy away from difficult decisions. He pursues search warrants, thoroughly documents investigations, and works to ensure that cruelty and neglect cases are handled appropriately and professionally. His professionalism and commitment to animal welfare were especially evident during a large-scale cruelty and neglect investigation in 2026 that resulted in the removal of more than 40 animals. Cases of that magnitude require coordination, perseverance, sound judgment, and a willingness to see difficult work through to completion. Jon demonstrated all of those qualities while ensuring the animals involved received the care and protection they needed. What impressed me just as much during that case was Jon's treatment of the people involved. He understands something many people overlook, that animal welfare and human welfare are often deeply connected. I watched him extend compassion and respect to people who weren't always willing to offer the same in return. Even while navigating a difficult situation and advocating for the animals involved, he remained patient, professional, and focused on helping everyone move forward.
I have had the privilege of watching Jon evolve from a motivated new officer into a leader within Michigan's animal welfare and animal control community. His willingness to learn, his dedication to excellence, and his commitment to serving both animals and people have transformed animal control services in Manistee County and earned him the respect of colleagues throughout the state.
Jon Brown embodies the very best of what animal control can be. He is a tireless advocate for animals, a trusted peer, and a role model for the profession. The respect Jon has earned throughout Michigan's animal welfare community is a direct reflection of the person he is… hardworking, compassionate, collaborative, and committed to leaving things better than he found them. I can think of no one more deserving of recognition as Michigan Pet Alliance's Animal Control Officer of the Year."
