Central Police Station Named for 1st Chief, Central Native James Douglas Browning

In its last official meeting, the current Central City Council voted unanimously to honor Central’s first police chief, Doug Browning, by designating Central’s new police building as the James Douglas Browning Police Headquarters. Councilman Wayne Messina said it was important to honor Chief Browning who served honorably and well from 2005 when Central became a city until 2014.
“He was honest, hardworking, and loved Central,” Messina said. “He took pride in being Central’s first chief. He started the department with nothing and built the foundation for its growth and development. He should be long remembered for the historic role he played in the creation of this city.”
Messina also had high praise for the current chief, James Salsbury, who created the new police headquarters. “James took the foundation Doug laid and carried the Central Police Department to a whole new level. James added personnel, made sure they were properly trained, and began systematically assuming more and more responsibilities. When the State Police said Central would have to work all wrecks in Central, he stepped up and made it happen. His hard work and vision have meant a lot in holding down crime in Central.” Messina said Chief Browning and Chief Salsbury were true public servants and have left Central far better than when they found it. “They deserve the respect and admiration of every Central resident now and into the future,” he said.