Danny Brewer remembered as 'one of a kind'

After Danny Brewer retired from the Berea Police Department, he returned to became a safety officer and filled that role until his untimely passing last week.

The longtime law enforcement officer was laid to rest on Tuesday with full military and police honors. Brewer, 62, died last Wednesday at Saint Joseph Hospital in Berea.

“The passing of Danny Brewer is a huge loss for our entire community,” said Berea Mayor Bruce Fraley. “From his colleagues at the Berea Police Department, to his friends at the American Legion, to the citizens and friends who saw Danny as a friend and mentor, and especially to his family, he was respected and valued as one of our city’s best-known citizens. He will be greatly missed.

“I am thankful to have been a long time friend of his, and am a better person because of our friendship.  I believe everyone who was close to Danny would tell you the same thing.  It is a sad time for our entire community as we have lost such a quality leader and friend.”

Brewer, known by his family and friends as being “one of a kind,” spent most of his life in law enforcement and began his career with the Richmond Police Department, where he served as an officer from 1984-2000 before joining the Berea Police Department, where he served in various roles for more than 20 years. He was named interim Police Chief after David Gregory was named City Manager and remained in that capacity until the vacancy was filled by former chief Eric Scott.

While with the Berea Police Department, he served as a patrol officer, field training officer, sergeant, lieutenant, detective captain, and interim chief.

“It was his influence on other members of our department and members of the community that made a lasting impact,” Berea Police Chief Jay Hays said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out the family and friends of Danny Brewer in this difficult time. Please remember us as an agency as we attempt to process this great loss.”

The Richmond Police Department also offered its condolences in a social media post.

“Our department is saddened to hear of his passing, and sends our deepest condolences to BPD, the Brewer family, and all who knew and loved Danny as a colleague and friend.”

Madison County Sheriff Mike Coyle and his department also offered their thoughts and prayers to friends and family.

As a community let us join together to honor his memory, his exemplary service to the City of Berea and many years of dedicated service to the Berea Police Department, which extended into the far corners of Madison County. Our sincerest prayers go out to the Berea Police Department as they navigate the loss of a colleague, mentor and friend in the days to come.”

Brent Bradley, a colleague of Brewer, recalled a recent visit with Brewer at the Berea City Pool.

“Just a few weeks ago while at work patrolling the pool, we sat and chatted,” Bradley recalled. “He had just got back from Disney. We talked UK and about saving for retirement and about our families. There are so many great memories and stories that I’ll hold dear to my soul. I love and miss you brother.”

Brewer’s influence within the department went beyond the veterans of the police force and his expertise provided a pathway for the next generation at the Berea Police Department.

“This one is hard.” said Cody Ocelli of the Berea Police Department. “Danny was the first person I ever knew before starting my career at Berea. The amount of knowledge and wisdom was unmatched.

Sure gonna miss you Danny. I’ll never forget our Lee’s Famous Recipe trips and you and Captain (Ken) Clark going at each other. Rest in peace, my friend, we’ll hold the line from here.”