Cpl Nickoyon Brown points to benefits of volunteering

Cop is not the first thing that comes to mind when Nickoyon Brown walks into a room. His quiet, courteous, yet jovial demeanour, are personality traits not generally associated with the police, particularly one who has already attained the rank of corporal, at the age of 29.

Brown’s easy manner and genuine laugh instantly put you at ease, and pull you in to learn more about his personal culture of serving, and giving back which, not surprisingly, earned him the 2014 Butch Stewart Community Award for volunteerism.

Brown was one of nine winners of the inaugural awards designed to identify and reward community heroes who have selflessly devoted their lives to service, community development and nation building.

During his eight years of sterling service in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Brown has found time to give of himself for the uplifting of the less fortunate, and the development of communities.

The Marcus Garvey Technical High past student has an unmistakable twinkle in his eyes as he speaks of the importance and personal satisfaction that come from serving without the expectation of monetary reward.

The Marcus Garvey Technical High past student has an unmistakable twinkle in his eyes as he speaks of the importance and personal satisfaction that come from serving without the expectation of monetary reward.

Brown explains that he has partnered with a close friend, Tesha Parks, to carry out various community projects, such as at the Bishop Thomas Early Childhood Centre in the Maxfield Park community, which has experienced a spate of break-ins that severely impacted its operations.

“We were very upset about it… so we came together and built a brand new gate, painted the institution, gave them a brand new sign… it was a really good project, they were very grateful,” he beams, noting the input of sponsors such as Caribbean Broilers and National Bakery.

Street people have also been the beneficiaries of Brown’s benevolence, through a haircut drive which provided this vulnerable group with much-needed attention and grooming. This particular outreach is now on hold, Brown says, due to insufficient funds. “You have to have disinfectant, alcohol, gloves… it’s more than scissors and shears,” he explains.

“It’s really good when you can volunteer. I enjoy giving back,” Brown says with an obvious sense of pride and satisfaction.

The unassuming cop still finds time to make presentations at his old schools — Cockburn Gardens Primary and Marcus Garvey Technical.

“I talk to the students and encourage them to build a bond with the police… whenever I get the chance, I do sell the JCF,” he says, with a sly smile.

He is also an active participant in the activities of Barbican Police Youth Club where he says most people are not aware that he is a member of the Constabulary.

“Most of the time when I am out there volunteering, I don’t tell everybody… and I don’t really do that until I come to trust them,” he says.

People, he says, are always pleasantly taken aback when he reveals what he does for a living. “They say ‘you’re different’, and when they say that I feel good. There are good people in the JCF… the JCF is what has really created and shaped my life,” he says.

When a close friend told Brown that she had nominated him for the Butch Stewart Community Awards, it was with nonchalance that he met the news. “I got an e-mail from them, saying I was invited. I did not expect to win… I was just going to go for the free food,” he recalls with infectious laughter, adding, “but to my surprise I won, and I felt really good”.

Brown is insistent that volunteering can be a way out of unemployment for many who seem unable to land that perfect job. “Volunteer. Volunteer at a home, and you may be surprised that it can get you a job; it’s not all about money. Also, volunteerism gives you experience,” he states, recalling that his first taste of working without monetary compensation was at Rural Agricultural Development Authority, which within six months, led to him being employed by the agency.

“I was not working… I was there doing accounting, until I got a job there,” he remarks.

Brown, also a trained chef, did a brief stint as a basic school teacher, after which he took up the post of customer service supervisor at a SuperPlus outlet in Runaway Bay, St Ann. It is this kind of background of imparting knowledge, sharing and promoting good interpersonal relationships which Brown says has helped to cement his commitment to good customer service within and without the Force. He says this goes hand-in-hand with his dedication to serving people, and his country as a whole.

Promoted to corporal three years ago, he is now in charge of procuring stationery for the entire JCF, and manages a team of nine civilians. His unwavering, exemplary service in the JCF has also received due attention, earning him the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, which was conferred by the governor general during Jamaica’s golden jubilee celebrations in 2013.

Brown, who is originally from Seville Heights in St Ann, says that when he started out as a constable stationed at Mobile Reserve, his family was apprehensive, but the path he has chosen is one he has always wanted, and one that keeps him fulfilled.

“My mother prayed every day,” he says with an endearing chuckle, “even now, she still prays, but she is very supportive, because she knows that I am responsible, and she knows I’m not going to do anything to jeopardise my life… I’m still here because I love it.”

The seemingly laid-back, but professional corporal says that while he liked being in the Mobile Reserve, “I wouldn’t say I miss it…”. However, he still gets a taste of the streets during the Yuletide season each year, when the JCF calls out its full complement of personnel to ensure law and order during the busy period.

True to his nature, Brown is now pursuing a diploma in customer service, having recently completed a degree in events planning and management. His aim is to teach customer service after completing the course in November.

“People always complain about the JCF not being professional, so I want to make an impact by teaching customer service and other ethical behaviours,” he explains.

Not one for complacency, Brown recently sat the sergeant’s examination and is upbeat about the results, which he will receive shortly. It is this relentless drive that propels the eldest of 15 siblings to continue to better himself in order to enhance the lives of those around him.