Celebrating the life of Geravis Anninos Brown.

2026, 1st Special Session Introduced by Don Scott

The bill memorializes Geravis Anninos Brown for his groundbreaking law enforcement career and community service in Portsmouth, honoring his legacy without policy changes.

Bill text as passed House (HR2136ER)

Summary of Bill HR 2136 (2026 Special Session I, Virginia)

Purpose and Intent

This measure is a House of Delegates resolution honoring and celebrating the life and public service of Geravis Anninos Brown, commonly referred to as G.A. Brown.

The resolution recognizes Brown’s military service, law enforcement career, community involvement, and personal legacy.

It expresses the House’s condolences and acknowledges Brown’s impact on the Portsmouth community and the Commonwealth.

Key Provisions and Changes

Formal Recognition: The resolution memorializes and notes with great sadness the passing of Geravis Anninos Brown (died June 2, 2026).

Biography and Achievements Highlighted:

Military Service: U.S. Army paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division during the Vietnam War.
Early Career: Brief work with the U.S. Postal Service in Washington, D.C.
Law Enforcement Career: Joined Portsmouth Police Department (PPD) in 1971; notable milestones include:
First African American K-9 officer in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Detective in the homicide and larceny units.
First African American public information officer in the Tidewater region.
Rank of sergeant attained in 1995; retired from PPD in December 1995 after 25 years of service.
Post-PPD Service: Worked with Norfolk International Airport Police Department; later served with Portsmouth Sheriff's Office as a local probation officer until full retirement in 2017.
Honors and Community Involvement: PPD Police Officer of the Year (1991); Citizen Valor Award (2017) for aiding an officer in distress.
Community and Family Roles: Active in American Legion Post #190; mentor to law enforcement personnel; respected family member and role model.

Expressions of Condolence: Directs the Clerk of the House to prepare and present a copy of the resolution to Brown’s family as a formal token of the House’s respect and sympathy.

Who or What Is Affected

Primary Beneficiary: Geravis Anninos Brown’s family and memory.

Institutional Impact: Recognition by the Virginia House of Delegates; no statutory changes or policy shifts are proposed.

Community Impact: Public acknowledgment of Brown’s trailblazing contributions to law enforcement and community service in Portsmouth and the broader Tidewater area.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Status: Introduced and presented on June 18, 2026, with consideration laid on the Speaker’s table.

Sponsorship: Chief sponsor is Delegate D. Scott; Don Scott is listed as a co-sponsor.

Next Steps: As a memorial resolution, it serves a ceremonial function and does not create new laws or fiscal obligations. It typically completes adoption without a fiscal impact, then the Clerk issues a commemorative copy to the family.

Notes

The bill is strictly commemorative and did not propose additional programs, funding, or legislative mandates.

It highlights Brown’s historic achievements as a pioneer African American officer and his long-standing service to the Portsmouth community.