Richland County Deputy Gives Back to Liberia
In the heart of Richland County, South Carolina, a remarkable story of compassion and community spirit is unfolding. Master Deputy Thomas Browne of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department is not your average law enforcement officer; he is a beacon of hope, not only for the people of the Midlands but also for those in his homeland, Liberia.
A Journey from Liberia to South Carolina
Master Deputy Browne’s journey began in 1989, when a six-year-old boy fled his war-torn village of Sehwein, Liberia, in search of a safer life. Escaping the brutal Civil War, he made his way to the United States, with stops in Pennsylvania and Tennessee, before finally settling in Columbia, South Carolina.
Now, decades later, Browne reflects on his harrowing past with gratefulness. “The best way I can give is to, you know, look back and offer some kind of assistance,” he said. “Coming over here wasn’t just, you know, me coming on my own – It was an act of God and other people who opened the doors for me.”
A Commitment to Giving Back
With a strong sense of duty, Browne has dedicated his life to serving his community. He majored in Criminal Justice and joined the military before taking on the role of a Sheriff’s Deputy. For him, this career path is more than just a job; it’s a way to show his gratitude for the opportunities that the United States has afforded him.
Browne said, “When our Civil War started, it was pretty brutal, and the assistance that we got from the American government and other countries was life-saving. I felt the best way to give back was, whenever I touch the soil of the United States, to offer my services as a way of saying ‘thank you’ for what they did for me.”
Reaching Out to Liberia
However, Browne’s desire to give back doesn’t stop at U.S. borders; he has a heartfelt mission to support his village back in Liberia. With the aid of kind-hearted individuals from the Midlands, Browne is working hard to send essential items back to those who are still struggling under harsh conditions.
“The things we take for granted here—shoes, clothes, water, food—are a daily struggle for them,” Browne explained. “It’s like they are cut away from civilization. The local clinic is about two hours away from where they are.”
Every effort counts, and Browne is focused on collecting items like clothes, shoes, stationery, pencils, paper, and even coloring books. He has successfully shipped several packages back home and is busy organizing another before the end of the year.
The Joy of Giving
Seeing the smiles on the faces of those in his village when they receive these packages is what motivates Master Deputy Browne. “It was just amazing to see the joy and the reception that they have when receiving all of those basic items,” he noted.
His heartfelt message is clear: “If you’re in a position to open doors for another person, that’s the best thing to do. Be that gateway to someone else’s hope and future.”
How You Can Help
If you feel inspired by Browne’s mission and would like to contribute to his collection efforts, you can reach out to him directly at tbrowne@rcsd.net. Any help can make a world of difference to those in Liberia who are in need.
Master Deputy Thomas Browne is a testament to the power of giving back. His journey from a young boy in a war zone to a community leader committed to making a difference embodies the spirit of compassion that can truly change lives.
