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A 25-Year Career of Service: Lieutenant Browning Retires
After 25 years in Alaska law enforcement, Lieutenant Ryan Browning is retiring from the Homer Police Department. The City of Homer is proud to recognize his dedication and the lasting contributions he has made to public safety and community well-being.
Ryan's career began as an Alaska State Trooper in 2001. He joined the Homer Police Department in 2010 and was promoted to Lieutenant in 2018. Throughout his tenure, he went well beyond traditional law enforcement duties, developing and leading community education programs that made a real difference in people's lives — including youth safety education, drug and alcohol prevention outreach, a digital safety program for families, and women's self-defense courses.
His work earned recognition well beyond Homer. In 2024, he received the Elks' National Enrique Camarena Award for Project Drive, a hands-on program he created to teach young people about the dangers of impaired driving. Through Project Drive, students could drive a specially equipped utility vehicle alongside a police officer while wearing Fatal Vision Goggles, simulating various levels of impairment in both day and night conditions. The program traveled to schools and community venues across the Kenai Peninsula and reached students in Anchorage, Palmer, and Wasilla. He helped other communities establish their own versions of the program – all a reflection of the quality and impact of his work.
Upon his retirement, the Alaska Legislature presented Ryan with a Citation of Honor for his sustained commitment to community-focused safety. The citation was delivered by Mayor Pro Tempore Shelly Erickson at the April 27, 2026 Homer City Council meeting.
The City of Homer is grateful for Lieutenant Browning's 25 years of service, his integrity, and his genuine care for the people of this community. He leaves behind programs that will continue to serve residents long after his final shift, and a standard of community policing that will be hard to match.
We wish him all the best in the next chapter!
Also at the April 27 City Council meeting, the Homer Police Department marked two promotions. Chief Scanlon congratulated Taylor Crowder on his promotion from Investigative Sergeant to Lieutenant, and Tyler Jeffries to Investigative Sergeant. The City congratulates both officers on their well-earned advancements.
